Does This Goalie Need A Hart?
You hear it in passing, you see it in your social media feeds - is this the year we add to that tiny list of goalies who've won the Hart?
The Hart Trophy is awarded every year by the PHWA for the most valuable member to his team in the NHL. Technically, everyone is up for this award. But it has seen only 7 goalies and 2 defensemen. A lot of people feel that since the Vezina exists, goalies don't need this award. However, I beg to differ. I think, just like Carey Price did in 2015, the Vezina AND the Hart can be won in the same year. It actually makes sense, if they are, because if you're the best goalie in the league, chances are you were the most valuable player to your team for that season, as well. And so far this year, Igor Shesterkin has been pretty darn valuable to the New York Rangers. Arguably, they wouldn't be anywhere near where they are in the standings without him. Well, they might be near, but they certainly wouldn't be second in the division.
Voters are allowed to select 5 names. So far, the general consensus seems to be focusing on Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Jonathan Huberdeau, Jonny Gaudreau, Roman Josi - and Shesterkin. So even before possibly considering a goalie, you already have 6 strong «regular» candidates. And all are most definitely deserving to be mentioned. McDavid is being strongly considered for the Art Ross Trophy. Auston Matthews just joined the 60 goals in a season club.
Huberdeau and Gudreau are second and third in points leaders for the NHL at 115 and 113. And Roman Josi is only the 9th D-man in NHL history to score 90+ points and the only one to do so without another teammate also having 90 points.
And then there's Shesterkin. He's won 36 of his 52 games played, with a GAA of 2.07 and SV% of .935. Not too bad for a 28th, 4th round draft pick. He's had 2 shut outs in his last 5 games,. And they just happened to be back-to-backs. And even though the Rangers lost their last 2 games, he still made 32 saves on 35 and 36 shots.
Again, although Shesterkin is guaranteed to be in talks for the Vezina, does that make it fair to take him out of the race for the Hart?
| POLL | ||
Should goalies be considered for the Hart trophy, or just stick to the Vezina? | ||
| Both | 65 | 44.2 % |
| Vezina | 45 | 30.6 % |
| Goalies should win all the awards | 37 | 25.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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