Ovechkin, Price, and Tavares announced as Hart Trophy Finalists

(Photo Credit: NHL.com )

New York Islanders forward and captain, John Tavares, Washington Capitals forward and captain, Alexander Ovechkin, and Montreal Candiens goaltender, William M. Jennings trophy co-recipient, and Vezina finalist, Carey Price were voted as the three finalists for the Most Valuable Player title for the 2014-2015 NHL regular season.

Five time Hart Trophy finalist, Alexander Ovechkin had a total of 81 points this season. Of those 81 points the forward had 28 assists and a league-leading 53 goals, which has secured him his third consecutive and fourth overall Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.  The Capitals ended the season in second place in the Metropolitan division thanks in large part to Ovechkin’s contribution on offense. However, number “8” has proven to be more than just a goal-scoring power house, he has also become a great two-way forward effectively being able to make defensive plays and hits. After defeating the New York Islanders in game 7 this past week, The Capitals will begin their round two contest with the New York Rangers tonight at 7:30 PM, EST.

Montreal Canadiens star goalie, Carey Price has already locked in the William M. Jennings trophy for this season, and is a favorite for the Vezina. With 65 starts, earning 44 “W”s, getting nine shutouts, and with stats such as a 1.96 goal against average, and a .933 save percentage, the goaltender certainly has made a case for himself in the race for the MVP title. Price and the Canadiens are poised to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs; the first match between the teams taking place Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM, EST.

This year John Tavares is a finalist for the Hart Trophy for the second time in three seasons. Although the Islanders were eliminated from playoff contention after the first round after taking the Washington Capitals to game 7, it was still a largely successful season for the New York Islanders and John Tavares. The young forward is often met by “MVP” chants when playing in front of a home crowd at Nassau Coliseum. Tavares lost out on the Art Ross Trophy during the final game of the season by just one point. The 24 year old captain is the pillar of the New York Islanders first line, and leads the young squad in points and appeared in every single one of the team’s 82 games this season.

The winner of the Hart Trophy will be revealed at the 2015 NHL Awards which will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, June 24.