people saying panarin must have lost their minds. he’s a fantastic player and a huge part of NYR’s success but there is no universe where he beats out this year’s big 3 AND matthews AND crosby lol.
Kucherov, McDavid, MacKinnon, Matthews. Really can't go wrong with any of them. What a season with all of these elite players at the peak of their powers.
i can confidently say it will not be matthews. the other three have way more of an impact on their team edit: i believe it will be kucherov because of his impact on the team this is coming from an oilers fan
The crazy thing about Kucherov's play is that it's almost like he's playing in third person with a view from above. His moves and passes are made like he knows exactly where his teammates are without even looking and sets them up perfectly for goal scoring opportunities.
He just has excellent peripheral vision, no need to turn your head 180 degrees to see others. I know because I also have it, just don't have any other qualities needed in pro sports.
As a rangers fan it sucks to see Panarin put up 120 points and nearly 50 goals while his team potentially wins the Presidents trophy and he’s not even in the MVP conversation. The top talent is unreal this season. Him and Trocheck have been an unreal combo this season and together have made Laf look like that 1st overall pick we’ve been looking for
In just about any other season, a 65 plus goal season would be a lock for MVP. It's wild that there are 3 players who are having seasons that are that much better that Matthews is a distant 4th. Heck, if the Penguins make the playoffs with the season Crosby is having, he'd be in the top 3 for sure too in any other season. Just some absolutely elite performances this year.
I'm an Oilers fan but seeing as this is the MVP award not the "who's the best player" (Ted Lindsay) award, I really think it should go to Crosby if they make the playoffs.
@@BezJones I'm shocked at how amazing he's been. They traded Guentzel away and he had his down moment and then he just turned on the jets to show why he's one of the GOATs.
This is easily the best hockey channel on RUclips, possibly ever. I send your vids all the time to friends who've recently discovered hockey so they can learn more about the game and keep up with the season. Thank you
100%. Matthews is a pure goal scorer, not a playmaker, like the other 3. They all have double + the assists Matthews has. Hes not even at 40yet. And the other 3 are gonna finish close to 30+ points ahead of him. He can have the rocket and possibly the selke.
@@keithck3720 The Toronto media keep forcing Matthews into conversations he doesn't belong in. Not only does he not belong in the Hart conversation, but there's nothing to indicate he is even remotely in the Selke conversation. All the tough defensive matchups for his team are taken by either Tavares or Kampf. People keep pointing to his blocked shots, but considering how rarely he starts in the defensive zone, he should not be in position to block shots if he was strong defensively.
@@Marixa1979 I don't think you're watching him play but that's fine if you think that he's only good at scoring goals. Opposing players and coaches know how skilled and dangerous he is
Kucherov’s style reminds me so much of Nikola Jokic from the Nuggets. Both let the game come to them and you can’t slow them down or speed them up and they’ll pick you apart like you’re living in 3 seconds ago. They’re surgical in how they dissect defenses and both have a complete mastery of spacing, not to mention both are known for soft hands/touch. Also, the numbers with them on the ice/court vs off is eerily similar in terms of how their team performs without them. And the nonchalant superstar demeanor. It’s cool to see two of the world’s best have similar playing styles and results even thought their sports are completely opposite one another! But I’m an Avs fan so Mack all day 😅
I've been thinking for a while that it's MacKinnon, but damn, that point difference Kucherov has, he's really carrying his team. TB would be just flat out bad without him
Leafs fan, I think Kucherov should win it. Feels wrong to snub Mackinnon but the odds seem to support him winning it anyway and just look at where Tampa are in the standings. That man is the heart and soul of his team this season and they probably don't even make the playoffs without him. He's got 139pts now on the 4th best team in his division and that's fucking insane.
I honestly believe that's what's gonna happen. The voters have long decided that its Mack's year for the Hart. He's winning it even though personally I think it should go to Kuch. McDavid is obviously the best player in the league so he should get the Lindsay, unless players get voter fatigue when it comes to McDavid. And they already voted for Kuch. They might decide its Mack's year for that too. Art Ross will be either Kuch or Mack. Rocket is obviously Matthew's. All I know is its gonna be wild if Kuch ends up with none of the awards after the year he's had.
Under normal circumstances I don't like the idea that the Hart trophy simply goes to the NHL points or goals leader (already trophies for those), but scoring 130+ points or 70 goals in a season is truly remarkable, so I guess it makes sense this year.
Not gonna lie, if the Penguins make it into the playoffs I hope Sid at least finishes top three. Guy had his best winger ever traded and said “jump in boys” and is single handed dominating the opposing teams all 200 ft
As a Pens fan... no. Sid has actually been pretty lackluster defensively at times this season. He's playing great for his age, but he's over 50 points behind the leaders.
@@janzkee Lol ok. Tell me where I'm wrong? Sid has been lackadaisical at times defensively this year, he loses track of guys around the net a lot. There's no justification for him to win it over someone like Kucherov, who is 50 points ahead and has carried his team hard this season, especially during the first half of the year when Vasilevskiy, Hedman and Stamkos were playing poorly. Or McDavid, who after struggling with an injury to start the season has played at an absolutely ridiculous pace, he's actually been scoring at a higher pace than last season for most of the season. If he didn't get injured there's a very real chance he would be scoring 160+ points this year. Even peak Bergeron level defense would not come close to closing that kind of offensive gap. The whole "complete player" hype for Crosby has gotten to absolutely absurd levels at this point. He does a lot of the little things well, but he isn't prime Bergeron out there like some fans like to claim, nor is he near the game breaking player offensively that he was in his 20's.
Crosby deserves some love too. He is literally dragging the Pens in the playoff race. The Hart is for the player deemed most valuable to his team, and there are few players more valuable to their team this year than Sid.
Matthews needs 70 to get into the top 3 convo. And the 70 goals will trump 100 assists, especially if Kucherov also gets 100 🍎s too. But in the spirit of the Hart award, Kucherov should win based off the quality of the team around him. The Oilers, Avs and Leafs are all better teams minus their top dogs than the lightning are without theirs. But he will lose votes (right or wrong) because he is Russian and the way he acted at the all-star weekend. The award is wide open with a week left in the season. That's a rarity in and of itself, but the fact there's potentially 4 guys in the mix is just nuts.
I really don’t think 70 goals will outshine 100 assists only 3 players in history have ever gotten 100 assists even if Mcdavid and Kucherov get it that’s still only 5 there have been 8 separate 70 goal scorers in the NHL
@@JSnipes-nb7uyMatthews might hit 70 has over 100 points and is in selke talks (not saying he will win but he is in the conversation) so if it would be crazy if he isn't even in top 3 for hart
Bruh mackinnon is having the best season of his career and if never wins a hart it will only be because other guys had the best seasons of their career at the same time as him.
no matter who wins, at least 80% of the hockey community will vehemently argue that the MVP went to the wrong player... just goes to show how incredible those 4 players are this season
Great breakdown. I hope all 4 of them get something. Hart, Rocket, Art Ross, Ted Lindsey, King Clancy. I don't care what, I just think if any of them didn't get at least some acknowledgement it would be a crime. It is nuts that we get to watch all 4 of them. This season has been great.
Something in Common is they all have amazing offense helping them Kucherov has Point and Stamkos Mackinnon has Rantenen or you can include Makar Matthews has Marner and Nylander And Mcdavid has Draisaitl and Hyman Not taking away from these players just cool
Difference is Mcdavid plays mostly with Hyman who's not on the level of anyone else you named. The rest play almost every shift with atleast one elite player.
Love the little play/tactical details peppered in. Caters to multiple audiences. Would like to see something like “if you want to see more details, see the accompanying video I made breaking down mckinnon/avs offense in the last key games” but idk how the viewership would look 🤷
Pasta did it in a big way last season, but he was hardly considered because McDavid's season was so light's out. It's interesting using his performance as a comparison to Kucherov's current performance though. Pasta had a 15% Shooting Percentage on 407 shots in 22/23, and scored almost as many goals (61) as the next best producer had points (Marchand with 67). But in terms of team success, the goaltending and defence was so excellent that a lot of the overall credit went to that system. 8 players had 50+ point seasons, and 12 had a +20 rating. Bruins outscored their opponents 301-174, so it was hard to identify Pastrnak's stats as the cause of the team's success. This year, the situation is essentailly the same, but with worse numbers for the team, while Pasta'a numbers are about the same. He should be in consideration, but it's not an obvious argument when it comes to his impact to team success. Kucherov's situation is a little different this year. Kuch also has a near 15% shooting percentage, and currently has 56 more points than the next-best producer (Point, with 88). That's already 11 points better than Pastrnak's 45 point differential (112-67), and the fall off in points produced is much steeper on Tampa. After Point, the only players who have 50+ points on the season are Stamkos, Hagel and Hedman. That's basically the people who are on the powerplay with Kuch or on his line. For team defensive play, Hedman is the only player with a +20 or more rating. Kucherov has +11, then there are 11 players with single digit plus rating. 15 players are in the minus, and 6 of them in double digits. Tampa Bay has outscored opponents only 278-255. Full stop, if Tampa doesn't have Kucherov this season but still has the injuries to Sergachev and Cernak, then the team is not only missing the playoffs, they would probably be in the basement. I guess that's kind of the curse of being the best player on a good team. I think that the Bruins whole system and roster structure depends on Pastrnak producing 50 goals and 100+ points every season. He doesn't really have an elite playmaker with him, but he gets it done anyways. However, because the team defense and depth scoring is so good, it kind of dims Pastrnak's achievements. The situation in Tampa highlights Kucherov because it's obvious that they wouldn't be competitive at all without him. It's really hard to argue that he's not the guy this year because the team situation enhances his value to the team.
As an Avs fan, as much as I want Nate Dogg to win the hart, I wouldn’t mind if Mathew’s or Mcdavid one it (though Kucherov I don’t know cause of the 2022 finals) and dude this content is so good keep making it
@@evb-t7rhe’s talking about who he would/wouldn’t mind winning it, not who he thinks should/will lmao. from that perspective you absolutely can be subjective about it
Anyone whose name begins with an 'M' should win it (unless you think Crosby has been truly heroic resurrecting an utterly moribund team). But, I would lean to Mackinnon who is so exciting to watch.
The Hart should go to Kucherov this year, no question. I love Nate Mac and he had a mindblowing season, but Kuch carried the Lightning from start to finish. Art Ross, a 100-assist season, outscored his team’s second scorer by 54 points…insane. He’s the real MVP.
Hate how the hart trophy is mostly a points thing. Quinn Hughes should definitely be in consideration the canucks do nothing they’ve done this season without him. Plus he has all the stats to back up his play.
Jesus christ, brother…. Quinn Hughes is a great player having a great season. But he isn’t even remotely in the stratosphere required for the conversation this year.
If you want to go by what player is the most VALUABLE Sid at the moment if the Pens make the playoffs it literally is because Sid willed them to a spot.
I wish as a community we could sit down and finalaize WTF an MVP actually means? Is it the best player in the league or the player most valueable to the team they play on?
Tampa is doing much better in terms of goal distribution compared to the Oilers and Avs. And if you remove Draisatl and Rantanen, the gap between 1st and 2nd on all 3 teams is about the same.
Even many hockey fans have no real idea the extent to which MacKinnon has carried the Avalanche on his shoulders this season. My avatar will DQ this comment for some readers, but both Rantanen and Makar have gone through l-o-n-g dry stretches this year when the only horse keeping the team's head above water was #29. Neither Rantanen nor Makar carried the team at any point this year. I honestly believe Nathan MacKinnon deserves the 2024 Hart Trophy.
Watching this right after Nate goes HAM ( and fast) through the Wild for 4 points tonight, three gorgeous goals! Hard to beat Kuch for the Hart but here’s hoping
Definitely biased as an avs fan, and i havent watched enough of the other teams in question. I catch pretty much every avs game, and it has been wild to see what mackinnon does. He has had to carry the team through the offensive depth troubles (*cough ryjo) and outscore iffy goaltending and nights where the defense just isnt there.. He scores, he skates, he hits, he can be smart, or a brick wall of will and physical power. The avs have an off night? down by three? Just have nate get 4 points in the last period lol. I have a limited perspective for sure but from what i have seen I understand why he is the favorite, I also understand the arguments for the other contenders, they are all so good. hockey is sick lol
I think that McDavid is going to end up missing a few too many games to end up with the Hart Trophy. As an Oilers fan, I think that McDavid and Kucherov are the most valuable to their team, but MacKinnon has been the best player.
@@AmosDohms dude you see the current game against the wild. Holy shmokes Nate haha. But thanks for you oppinion, seems to be on track with the info in this video.
@@ofsavagemindas a bolts fan who’s seen every game this season, I’m the same way with Kuch. Given his score differential between him and Point, if he wins the Art Ross I think he should win the Hart as well, he’s just simply carried
@@trevorconnatser6161 That point differential is wild. If the criteria is most valuable to their team that is hard to argue. Pretty new to hockey so honestly i did think it was mvp of the league. I have been enlightened lol. Be nice to see Nate get something for his play, dudes out of his mind. Maybe a stanley cup will do lol. but you definitely have a good point
@@trevorconnatser6161 To make an argument for Mac though, you could say the guys around him are so good because of him. Not just on the ice, but look at lehkonen, Druin, Nachuskin and who they were before playing in CO. His leadership has helped turn them into the players they are. Kuch is carrying his team, but Nate uplifts his by leading through example on and off ice.
@@willroberts6429 Mack averaged 1.5 minutes of ice time more than either Kuch or McDavid because they needed him so much every night. Beyond the first line of the Avs, there's just nothing there, it's all on Mack's shoulders to pull them into the playoffs.
Right now, it's Kuch all the way. McDavid came on after a slow start, and while that's nice, he wasn't cooking all season like the other three. It's MVP, not comeback of the year. With that in mind the top 3 are, in order, Kuch, McKinnon, then Matthews. And the Matthews hate is insane. You hate the Leafs? How original. 65 goals in 70 games. With goaltending the way it is? Even strength goals and he is best all around forward. I have him 3rd, but the idea that McDavid is ranked higher nonsense. When McDavid won the Rocket with 64 goals, everyone was screaming MVP.
As a leafs fan I still have Matty at 4. It's not as far as alot of people make it out to be, but the other 3 have been monsters offensively. But I agree kuch is the most deserving. He's dragged that Tampa team into the playoffs.
As a die hard leafs fan who's loving & over-celebrating every second of #34's INCREDIBLE goal scoring run, I'm torn by McJesus's 99 assists - there is no denying that he elevates his teammates like no other player in the NHL... Then there is MacKinnon, who I watched lead my local QMJHL team to it's first memorial cup victory & he's a local boy representing Halifax in the footsteps of Crosby. It's tough, but of course if Austin Matthews hits 70 goals, it's got to be him! At the end of the day, most importantly - What a great year we're having as fans & hopefully the excitement is just getting started as we head into playoff time!!
Good points and indeed all 4 are deserving for consideration. However, as Darren Pang mentioned on The Leafs Nation earlier today, if the Pens get into the playoffs I think Crosby has to factored into the discussion, as well. Btw, I'm not even a Pens fan, but what Sid has done to carry Pittsburgh is impressive. Overall, I agree with your premise, this has been an amazing year in hockey and we have many deserving players!
Mack may not be at the same level of individual importance as Kucherov or McDavid, but I’ve always firmly believed that Mack is a big part of why the Avs offense is as quick as it is, from every player. Man definitely deserves the nod, sooner or later
I think crosby deserves to be in the conversation. Without him, the pens would be bottom 4 in the league. He has dragged them into the playoff race almost by himself.
That may be true, but in that exact same line of thinking he is outclassed by Kucherov who dragged his team to a comfortable playoff race. Each of these 4 brings something unique to offensive domination. MacKinnon is physically unstoppable and can individually overwhelm defense, Kucherov is the most dangerous player leading in points, McDavid is the best at creating offense leading in zone possession and assists, and Matthews is by far the best triggerman in the league leading in goals. Hard to argue Crosby is best at anything this season. He may get a few nods at number 5 from voters who forget Pastrnak and Q. Hughes exist. Stellar, notable season from a player who has had many, but not in the Hart conversation.
If Matthew’s hits 70, it has to be him. I can’t stand the Leafs, but there is no denying it. If 70 goals isn’t enough to win MVP I don’t know what it should take
If Matthews does not get 70, he has zero chance of being MVP. If he does, then it will be close. Even with 136 points, Kucherov is only a +8, while the rest are all over +30.
The problem for Kucherov is that even when he wants to take shots he still has 2-3 guys on him because he’s a good shot which he uses to make passes to his open guys. Dude gets marked every play to limit his scoring chances because scoring is more dangerous than potential passes
Thanks again for another great video, always love your breakdowns. I think Nate is my MVP as it currently stands, but what are your thoughts on the Calder?
Tampa still has Stamkos, Point, Hedman, Vasilevsky, and Cooper. I love Kuch as much as anyone, but his supporting cast is as good as any of the other candidates.
While all four of these guys absolutely deserve to be in the conversation (and any one of them would probably win hands-down any other year), I do think it's a bit of a shame that defenders and goalies rarely enter these discussions. Quinn Hughes and Hellebuyck have been every bit as valuable to their teams, and I'm sure there are other examples. I'm saying this to highlight a blindspot in media discussions, of course, not your video! Great work :)
The nhl should vote for this category based on the team around their “mvps”… half of these players are gifted with phenomenal teams that are so skilled it really doesn’t make them overly “valuable” imo
Kucherov, Nate the Mack, absolutely shredding this season. McOverrated and Matthews, better luck next year kids. All 3 Hughes Brothers are awesome! Let's not forget Crosby either. Greatest player of our generation.
I wish you would not just look att the individual point scoring race. And what about Quinn Hughes, who really have been making Vancouver a better team and who is arguably the best defenceman in the league? What would Vancouver be without him?
I agree, they've all had great seasons, it's just harder to make their case in terms of team impact. The Bruins and Rangers suffer in these individual categories because their team is so solid across the board. Goaltending, defence, depth scoring and a superstar sniper, they have it all, so it only makes it harder to make clear arguments that one player has an outsized impact on the team success. Vancouver's coach should clearly win the Adams, that just seems obvious, even though the system probably doesn't work without Hughes. It's still a harder argument when the team was so crappy last year with basically the same roster - does credit go to the coach or the player? As for Helle, Winnipeg is 35-19 with him in the net, and 14-5 with him out, so again, it's not a clear argument for MVP. With the Lightning though, the team situation being what it is (missing Sergachev and Cernak, Vasilevskiy not playing well, Stamkos declining), there's really no other explanation for their playoff berth other than Kucherov's performance. Whether this should count more for MVP or not (should a mediocre team result really be weighted higher than an excellent team result?) is a different argument, but it obviously highlights Kucherov's value to his team. Crosby has been very similar this year for the Pens too. While he's 55 points behind Kucherov, his team is much better defensively, and I think that comes down to his leadership and example. Last night against Detroit, it was Crosby busting his ass to cover defensive mistakes by Karlsson. Unfortunately, no one ever wins MVP for defensive performance, which is why the Selke exists, and why shut-down defensemen barely ever get considered for the Norris. Just the way things are.
It would be awesome if all of them get the trophy! It suits the mentality of hockey imo. It emphasizes respect and appreciation of different ways to contribute to the teams success. All named players are just fantastic hockey players and unbelievably skilled.
Matthews gets labeled as a pure goal scorer but he's really more of a 2 way forward that happens to be a top goal scorer. He'll never put up the points that the other 3 do but I would argue his all-around game is the most complete of the 4.
Idk. Good stick lifts in offensive zone /some nuetral zone if you skate near him but he dont move much which is also a reason why he scores how he does. Hes really always jus coasting off in space and gets lost out of the play then he comes from out of nowhere into the play and gets the puck whith noone pickin him up. Kinda an oxymoron. Amazing at finding space and timing but imo his 2 way game really lacks. Doesnt move his legs much without the puck. But maybe he wouldnt be the scorer he is if he was more involved in the plays or digging for pucks. Jus my thoughts, open for discussion.
Mcdavid missed out on the award in the past because he played on a line with Draisaitl. Why does nobody seem to care about quality of teammates now? Mcdavid and Kucherov are the only real choices based on what the award actually is.
While people talk about goaltending...what made Gretzky so great is he had all of the top attributes of ALL of these players. Gretzky behind the net is still unmatched.
should be Kucherov because no other candidate has single-handedly dragged a would-be draft lottery candidate to the playoffs. that said, it’s going to be Mackinnon for stupid narrative reasons like “he’s due” and “Kucherov didn’t try at the all star thingy”
They all have crazy impact on their team. Without McDavid, do you really think they go on the run they have from out of playoffs completely to still having a shot at winning the Pacific and pretty much a guarantee of home ice the first round?
@@wwpjd28 of course, take a player with 130 points off of any team and they’re much worse off. but the lightning having an egregious goal differential with kucherov off the ice and an elite goal differential with kucherov on the ice says everything that needs to be said about which team would be worst without their art ross contender.
Okey I haven't been that much into NHL until couple last season but can goalie win Hart trophy? Also wouldn't keeping clean sheet be more harder than score goal?
Yes a goalie can win mvp, and yes getting a shutout is much harder than scoring a goal. The most shutouts for a goaltender this year is 6, which is impressive but not worldbeating. Meanwhile the points these candidates are putting up are historic for it to all happen in the same year, so no goaltenders are going to be nominated for mvp this year
People under credit panarin because he has had a career year in all stats he also doesn’t have number 1 top super stars like Nate Mckinnon (tell me if I spelled that wrong pls) has Cale makar and rantenen Matthew’s has marner and nylander Mcdavid has drai
Its the HART not art ross u dummy... Panarin should in reality only be beaten by Kuch in the voting cuz they are both solo carrying their teams and one of those teams have led the league since forever thanks to Panarin. Kuch edges it but Nate and Matthews should never be in for the hart ahead of Panarin...@@McNutEVD
I've been fantasizing lately of some freak scenario where the penguins actually make it into the playoffs and pull off a Panthers scenario from last year, but the Pens actually win. . . To see Crosby lift up the cup one last time at his age would be EPIC. . . . . . I know there is like a zero chance of that tho. And I'm not even a Penguins fan.
They all certainly belong in the conversation but the Hart should go to Kuch. The points you lay out make it clear he is the literal definition of a teams and divisions MVP. You did fail to mention he's doing all this as a winger vs the other 3 centers.
@@TheGamerChronicles999 I’ve watched him knock my isles outta playoff for two years straight. You know you’re unreal when it looks like u play with no effort
Yup! Not to take away from how amazing they've been this season but if Matthews wins it'll be out of popularity, and if Mac wins it'll be a bit of a "He hasn't gotten one yet and it's his turn" pity vote.
It's should be two horse race really. McKinnon and Matthews. McKinnon edges it out I think. The real issue is scoring close to 70 goals while playing Selke level defense, it's hard to ignore the dominance of Matthews. McKinnnon is more balanced offensively and is more explosive on the rush.
I went back all the way to the 1967-68 season, the start of the expansion era, to look at Hart trophy winners 34 out of 55 finished first (or tied for first) in scoring 8 forwards finished 2nd in scoring 6 forwards finished either 3rd or 6th 5 of those 14 forwards finished first in goals, but not points. One of those 14 won the Selke Every other win is a defenseman or a goalie.
What would make u say something so ignorant? The guy put the team.on his back vs tampa last year and leafs have never had a full team built for playoffs, Ur just an echo chamber of the haters but saying he doesnt care is just a false statement, People also said that about Ovi they are similar style players so we'll see he's still young
matthews doesn’t deserve the mvp…he doesn’t deserve it over any of the big 3 let alone panarin/pasta. The delusion that matthews deserves is just stupid lmao he’s not the best player on his team he’s not anywhere near what the mvp of a team is compared to any else that is ahead of him lmao. Of all the people who are in the hunt it’s kucherov without him the lightning aren’t in the playoffs, they might even been the bottom of the league he is the actually definition of the hart trophy and should win it he’s been beyond absurd
Ur just jealous cuz no one in the whole league can scpre goals like him and dont forget goals are the hardest thing to do in hockey. Plus he just hit 60 goals for the second time which non of the other mvp candidates has done. 😂😂😂
If Mattews gets 70 it's over. Assists don't win games, goals do. Plus there's 2 assists per goal. 3 people close to 100 assists means not so rare. Where if Mattews gets 70, no one else even in there 60's.Plus his production on 5 on 5 play. Doesn't cheat the game. Most likely getting nominated for selke. Selke plus rocket means, without a doubt, the heart. Sorry to others but Mattews out performed you every where!
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Who do you think is going to win the Hart Trophy? 🤔
Hopefully Kucherov, he really deserves it. Kucherov has been carrying the Lightning
The breadman himself
I think the true mvp is buddy johnson
Panarin. He had a great year, and stepped up his defensive play. He was also a huge part in the rangers success.
people saying panarin must have lost their minds. he’s a fantastic player and a huge part of NYR’s success but there is no universe where he beats out this year’s big 3 AND matthews AND crosby lol.
Kucherov, McDavid, MacKinnon, Matthews. Really can't go wrong with any of them. What a season with all of these elite players at the peak of their powers.
i can confidently say it will not be matthews. the other three have way more of an impact on their team
edit: i believe it will be kucherov because of his impact on the team this is coming from an oilers fan
they reallyyy should just give it those 3 guys, just once for this year
McDavid is NOT at his peak this year. Multiple injuries have held him back
Matthews should not be in the conversation. If Mcdavid had Matthews stat line this year people would be asking how he fell off so hard
@@chasepierson
Matthews’ defensive play more than makes up for the gap in points.
Please NHL. We need a Gretzky award for Assists. Its about time.
Put that in when they add an actual defenseman award, instead of the best winger on the blueline.
@@larrywilliams8063 they should just separate the norris into best offensive and defensive defenceman...
@@larrywilliams8063sooooo true!!!
It’s so damn stupid, too. Idk how the hell it hasn’t been a constant discussion for decades now
That's actually true!
@@larrywilliams8063 100% There should definitely be a best defender award. Best defender ≠ most points as a defender. That award is kinda a joke.
The crazy thing about Kucherov's play is that it's almost like he's playing in third person with a view from above. His moves and passes are made like he knows exactly where his teammates are without even looking and sets them up perfectly for goal scoring opportunities.
what if you turned out to be true and he was hacking somehow lol
@@abrahammartin4750 It's gotta be old undiscovered soviet technology
@@kaield4763 if that were the case, itd be 30 years behind what North America has.
@@evb-t7r it's not that deep
He just has excellent peripheral vision, no need to turn your head 180 degrees to see others. I know because I also have it, just don't have any other qualities needed in pro sports.
Watching this after MacKinnon got a hattrick and currently a 4 point night, this mvp race is just absurd.
Meanwhile Kuch also has a 3 pt night
thats an art ross race
As a rangers fan it sucks to see Panarin put up 120 points and nearly 50 goals while his team potentially wins the Presidents trophy and he’s not even in the MVP conversation. The top talent is unreal this season. Him and Trocheck have been an unreal combo this season and together have made Laf look like that 1st overall pick we’ve been looking for
if they did it 5 years ago they probably win
Feel the same way about Pastrnak… dude has single handedly carried the bruins this season after losing so many key players
Laf playing with confidence
honestly, Panarin is not a cup player. Unfortunately. And this comes from a fellow russian.
imagine scoring 120 points and not even being a contender for MVP. crazy how far the league has come
In just about any other season, a 65 plus goal season would be a lock for MVP. It's wild that there are 3 players who are having seasons that are that much better that Matthews is a distant 4th.
Heck, if the Penguins make the playoffs with the season Crosby is having, he'd be in the top 3 for sure too in any other season.
Just some absolutely elite performances this year.
I'm an Oilers fan but seeing as this is the MVP award not the "who's the best player" (Ted Lindsay) award, I really think it should go to Crosby if they make the playoffs.
@@BezJones I'm shocked at how amazing he's been. They traded Guentzel away and he had his down moment and then he just turned on the jets to show why he's one of the GOATs.
much better than 70 goals? there is no secondary goal points in the nhl.
This is easily the best hockey channel on RUclips, possibly ever. I send your vids all the time to friends who've recently discovered hockey so they can learn more about the game and keep up with the season. Thank you
Crazy how we might have a 70 goal scorer with zero realistic chance of winning mvp
100%. Matthews is a pure goal scorer, not a playmaker, like the other 3. They all have double + the assists Matthews has. Hes not even at 40yet. And the other 3 are gonna finish close to 30+ points ahead of him. He can have the rocket and possibly the selke.
@@Subaruuu12He'll get some Selke votes but won't win. Rocket Richard and the cap era single season goal record will be quite an achievement though.
@@keithck3720 The Toronto media keep forcing Matthews into conversations he doesn't belong in. Not only does he not belong in the Hart conversation, but there's nothing to indicate he is even remotely in the Selke conversation. All the tough defensive matchups for his team are taken by either Tavares or Kampf. People keep pointing to his blocked shots, but considering how rarely he starts in the defensive zone, he should not be in position to block shots if he was strong defensively.
Selke? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@Marixa1979 I don't think you're watching him play but that's fine if you think that he's only good at scoring goals. Opposing players and coaches know how skilled and dangerous he is
Kucherov’s style reminds me so much of Nikola Jokic from the Nuggets. Both let the game come to them and you can’t slow them down or speed them up and they’ll pick you apart like you’re living in 3 seconds ago. They’re surgical in how they dissect defenses and both have a complete mastery of spacing, not to mention both are known for soft hands/touch. Also, the numbers with them on the ice/court vs off is eerily similar in terms of how their team performs without them. And the nonchalant superstar demeanor. It’s cool to see two of the world’s best have similar playing styles and results even thought their sports are completely opposite one another! But I’m an Avs fan so Mack all day 😅
100% agree with all of what you are saying, other than the last sentence😅
Kucherov is a total dick though. Dirty, has no respect for the game, the very antithesis of someone like Crosby. He's more like a Marchand.
I've been thinking for a while that it's MacKinnon, but damn, that point difference Kucherov has, he's really carrying his team. TB would be just flat out bad without him
Why MacKinnon over the other guys?
People keep saying TB would miss playoffs with Kuch but I highly doubt it after seeing the 6 dogshit teams fighting for the last spot
Just a dumb take kucherov doesn’t even have either of the conn smyrhes
@@ilysmeeshy5266 lol why do seasons 2-3 years ago matter? the roster turnover has been crazy
@@ilysmeeshy5266 this Tampa Bay team is nothing like that one. They've been basically a wildcard team all season
Leafs fan, I think Kucherov should win it. Feels wrong to snub Mackinnon but the odds seem to support him winning it anyway and just look at where Tampa are in the standings. That man is the heart and soul of his team this season and they probably don't even make the playoffs without him. He's got 139pts now on the 4th best team in his division and that's fucking insane.
He won't win because he is Russian.
It should be Kuch but McKinnon is much more popular. He will win it. Number 1 BS. Ha!
All four of them could end up with an award: Matthews with the Rocket, Kucherov with the Ross, McKinnon with the Hart, and McDavid with the Lindsay.
I honestly believe that's what's gonna happen. The voters have long decided that its Mack's year for the Hart. He's winning it even though personally I think it should go to Kuch. McDavid is obviously the best player in the league so he should get the Lindsay, unless players get voter fatigue when it comes to McDavid. And they already voted for Kuch. They might decide its Mack's year for that too. Art Ross will be either Kuch or Mack. Rocket is obviously Matthew's. All I know is its gonna be wild if Kuch ends up with none of the awards after the year he's had.
Under normal circumstances I don't like the idea that the Hart trophy simply goes to the NHL points or goals leader (already trophies for those), but scoring 130+ points or 70 goals in a season is truly remarkable, so I guess it makes sense this year.
Great video! Appreciate you breaking things down.
Not gonna lie, if the Penguins make it into the playoffs I hope Sid at least finishes top three. Guy had his best winger ever traded and said “jump in boys” and is single handed dominating the opposing teams all 200 ft
Some nights he is still the best player in the world. Top 5 all time and he isn’t even done playing.
As a Pens fan... no. Sid has actually been pretty lackluster defensively at times this season. He's playing great for his age, but he's over 50 points behind the leaders.
@@michaelshields6326bro absolutely does not watch hockey. Sid is the reason why the pens arent in the dirt right now.
Sid has been phenomenal, but he's #5 at best this year.
@@janzkee Lol ok. Tell me where I'm wrong? Sid has been lackadaisical at times defensively this year, he loses track of guys around the net a lot. There's no justification for him to win it over someone like Kucherov, who is 50 points ahead and has carried his team hard this season, especially during the first half of the year when Vasilevskiy, Hedman and Stamkos were playing poorly. Or McDavid, who after struggling with an injury to start the season has played at an absolutely ridiculous pace, he's actually been scoring at a higher pace than last season for most of the season. If he didn't get injured there's a very real chance he would be scoring 160+ points this year. Even peak Bergeron level defense would not come close to closing that kind of offensive gap. The whole "complete player" hype for Crosby has gotten to absolutely absurd levels at this point. He does a lot of the little things well, but he isn't prime Bergeron out there like some fans like to claim, nor is he near the game breaking player offensively that he was in his 20's.
Your videos are awesome dude. You know your stuff. Keep up the great work buddy. Subscribed.
Crosby deserves some love too. He is literally dragging the Pens in the playoff race. The Hart is for the player deemed most valuable to his team, and there are few players more valuable to their team this year than Sid.
Matthews needs 70 to get into the top 3 convo. And the 70 goals will trump 100 assists, especially if Kucherov also gets 100 🍎s too. But in the spirit of the Hart award, Kucherov should win based off the quality of the team around him. The Oilers, Avs and Leafs are all better teams minus their top dogs than the lightning are without theirs. But he will lose votes (right or wrong) because he is Russian and the way he acted at the all-star weekend. The award is wide open with a week left in the season. That's a rarity in and of itself, but the fact there's potentially 4 guys in the mix is just nuts.
Putting Matthews in your top 3 this year is wild
I really don’t think 70 goals will outshine 100 assists only 3 players in history have ever gotten 100 assists even if Mcdavid and Kucherov get it that’s still only 5 there have been 8 separate 70 goal scorers in the NHL
@@JSnipes-nb7uyMatthews might hit 70 has over 100 points and is in selke talks (not saying he will win but he is in the conversation) so if it would be crazy if he isn't even in top 3 for hart
I think the all-star weekend might have ruined it for him aswell.
@@JSnipes-nb7uy reading a problem for you? I said he only gets into the top 3 if he hits 70. If you think 70 doesn't put him there, you're insane.
Bruh mackinnon is having the best season of his career and if never wins a hart it will only be because other guys had the best seasons of their career at the same time as him.
no matter who wins, at least 80% of the hockey community will vehemently argue that the MVP went to the wrong player... just goes to show how incredible those 4 players are this season
Let’s be real, nothing will match how butthurt Avs fans will be if MacKinnon doesn’t win the Hart this season
@@jeremyrobak6750I'm sure the Leafs fans whining when Matthews doesn't win would top that tbh
The Ammunition Magician Nathan Mackinnon
POV Mac just got a hat trick
Great breakdown. I hope all 4 of them get something. Hart, Rocket, Art Ross, Ted Lindsey, King Clancy. I don't care what, I just think if any of them didn't get at least some acknowledgement it would be a crime. It is nuts that we get to watch all 4 of them. This season has been great.
Something in Common is they all have amazing offense helping them
Kucherov has Point and Stamkos
Mackinnon has Rantenen or you can include Makar
Matthews has Marner and Nylander
And Mcdavid has Draisaitl and Hyman
Not taking away from these players just cool
No man is an island or whatever
Difference is Mcdavid plays mostly with Hyman who's not on the level of anyone else you named. The rest play almost every shift with atleast one elite player.
@@CoopHawkeI mean, Hyman has over 50 goals.
@@Ben.Mangels he had 21 max before playing with Mcdavid lol
@@CoopHawke Matthews plays on a line with Domi and Bertuzzi. I wouldn't say those are elite players
Love the little play/tactical details peppered in. Caters to multiple audiences. Would like to see something like “if you want to see more details, see the accompanying video I made breaking down mckinnon/avs offense in the last key games” but idk how the viewership would look 🤷
Would like to see a vid on the unsung heroes; Crosby and Pastrnak more specifically who have somehow single handedly carried their teams this season
Pasta did it in a big way last season, but he was hardly considered because McDavid's season was so light's out. It's interesting using his performance as a comparison to Kucherov's current performance though.
Pasta had a 15% Shooting Percentage on 407 shots in 22/23, and scored almost as many goals (61) as the next best producer had points (Marchand with 67). But in terms of team success, the goaltending and defence was so excellent that a lot of the overall credit went to that system. 8 players had 50+ point seasons, and 12 had a +20 rating. Bruins outscored their opponents 301-174, so it was hard to identify Pastrnak's stats as the cause of the team's success. This year, the situation is essentailly the same, but with worse numbers for the team, while Pasta'a numbers are about the same. He should be in consideration, but it's not an obvious argument when it comes to his impact to team success.
Kucherov's situation is a little different this year. Kuch also has a near 15% shooting percentage, and currently has 56 more points than the next-best producer (Point, with 88). That's already 11 points better than Pastrnak's 45 point differential (112-67), and the fall off in points produced is much steeper on Tampa. After Point, the only players who have 50+ points on the season are Stamkos, Hagel and Hedman. That's basically the people who are on the powerplay with Kuch or on his line. For team defensive play, Hedman is the only player with a +20 or more rating. Kucherov has +11, then there are 11 players with single digit plus rating. 15 players are in the minus, and 6 of them in double digits. Tampa Bay has outscored opponents only 278-255. Full stop, if Tampa doesn't have Kucherov this season but still has the injuries to Sergachev and Cernak, then the team is not only missing the playoffs, they would probably be in the basement.
I guess that's kind of the curse of being the best player on a good team. I think that the Bruins whole system and roster structure depends on Pastrnak producing 50 goals and 100+ points every season. He doesn't really have an elite playmaker with him, but he gets it done anyways. However, because the team defense and depth scoring is so good, it kind of dims Pastrnak's achievements. The situation in Tampa highlights Kucherov because it's obvious that they wouldn't be competitive at all without him. It's really hard to argue that he's not the guy this year because the team situation enhances his value to the team.
Really enjoyed your content this season
As an Avs fan, as much as I want Nate Dogg to win the hart, I wouldn’t mind if Mathew’s or Mcdavid one it (though Kucherov I don’t know cause of the 2022 finals) and dude this content is so good keep making it
the 2022 finals has nothing to do with MVP of this season. To make an actual legitimate call, you cant be subjective and look to the past.
@@evb-t7rhe’s talking about who he would/wouldn’t mind winning it, not who he thinks should/will lmao. from that perspective you absolutely can be subjective about it
Anyone whose name begins with an 'M' should win it (unless you think Crosby has been truly heroic resurrecting an utterly moribund team). But, I would lean to Mackinnon who is so exciting to watch.
I bet if Nikita Kucherovs name was Nick Keller instead, you would want him to win
The Hart should go to Kucherov this year, no question. I love Nate Mac and he had a mindblowing season, but Kuch carried the Lightning from start to finish. Art Ross, a 100-assist season, outscored his team’s second scorer by 54 points…insane. He’s the real MVP.
Its scary that Team Canada will have so much talent at the Olympics that either McDavid or Mackinnon would be a second line center.
MacKinnon's hat trick against Minnesota was amazing. His third goal that night was all-time.
Hate how the hart trophy is mostly a points thing. Quinn Hughes should definitely be in consideration the canucks do nothing they’ve done this season without him. Plus he has all the stats to back up his play.
if kuch wins it you'll know its just a points thing.
Jesus christ, brother…. Quinn Hughes is a great player having a great season. But he isn’t even remotely in the stratosphere required for the conversation this year.
If you want to go by what player is the most VALUABLE Sid at the moment if the Pens make the playoffs it literally is because Sid willed them to a spot.
I wish as a community we could sit down and finalaize WTF an MVP actually means? Is it the best player in the league or the player most valueable to the team they play on?
He should have a poll
Kucherov has the biggest gap between next best scorer on the team..
he may not be liked, but he is the mvp. Other than that Mackinnon
Tampa is doing much better in terms of goal distribution compared to the Oilers and Avs.
And if you remove Draisatl and Rantanen, the gap between 1st and 2nd on all 3 teams is about the same.
@@robrick9361preach!!
Even many hockey fans have no real idea the extent to which MacKinnon has carried the Avalanche on his shoulders this season. My avatar will DQ this comment for some readers, but both Rantanen and Makar have gone through l-o-n-g dry stretches this year when the only horse keeping the team's head above water was #29. Neither Rantanen nor Makar carried the team at any point this year. I honestly believe Nathan MacKinnon deserves the 2024 Hart Trophy.
As much as I want Matthews to get it if he hits 70… I think it’s Kucherovs to lose.
Also 2:51 😂😂
What you just made 0 sense... lil bro
Watching this right after Nate goes HAM ( and fast) through the Wild for 4 points tonight, three gorgeous goals! Hard to beat Kuch for the Hart but here’s hoping
If you disregard empty net points (which aren't much of an achievement), MacKinnon is already in the lead.
@@st0rmchild ah yes closing a game to secure a point isnt an achievment. Then why ur baby hasnt more empty nets :'(
Definitely biased as an avs fan, and i havent watched enough of the other teams in question. I catch pretty much every avs game, and it has been wild to see what mackinnon does. He has had to carry the team through the offensive depth troubles (*cough ryjo) and outscore iffy goaltending and nights where the defense just isnt there.. He scores, he skates, he hits, he can be smart, or a brick wall of will and physical power. The avs have an off night? down by three? Just have nate get 4 points in the last period lol. I have a limited perspective for sure but from what i have seen I understand why he is the favorite, I also understand the arguments for the other contenders, they are all so good. hockey is sick lol
I think that McDavid is going to end up missing a few too many games to end up with the Hart Trophy. As an Oilers fan, I think that McDavid and Kucherov are the most valuable to their team, but MacKinnon has been the best player.
@@AmosDohms dude you see the current game against the wild. Holy shmokes Nate haha. But thanks for you oppinion, seems to be on track with the info in this video.
@@ofsavagemindas a bolts fan who’s seen every game this season, I’m the same way with Kuch. Given his score differential between him and Point, if he wins the Art Ross I think he should win the Hart as well, he’s just simply carried
@@trevorconnatser6161 That point differential is wild. If the criteria is most valuable to their team that is hard to argue. Pretty new to hockey so honestly i did think it was mvp of the league. I have been enlightened lol. Be nice to see Nate get something for his play, dudes out of his mind. Maybe a stanley cup will do lol. but you definitely have a good point
@@trevorconnatser6161 To make an argument for Mac though, you could say the guys around him are so good because of him. Not just on the ice, but look at lehkonen, Druin, Nachuskin and who they were before playing in CO. His leadership has helped turn them into the players they are. Kuch is carrying his team, but Nate uplifts his by leading through example on and off ice.
We are in a new golden age of NHL hockey. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts, because you don’t normally know they’re the good days til their gone.
MacKinnon, and im a Leafs Fan.
I feel like the Avs make the playoffs without Mak and the Oilers likely don’t without McDavid
lightning are not a playoff team without kucherov.
@@yankeesbeballinYou’re right, MacKinnon is my #3 I think
@@willroberts6429 Mack averaged 1.5 minutes of ice time more than either Kuch or McDavid because they needed him so much every night. Beyond the first line of the Avs, there's just nothing there, it's all on Mack's shoulders to pull them into the playoffs.
This is just my opinion, you all have valid cases.
Next video will be titled "The NHL is a Problem" 😂 jokes aside I love your channel and your content! Keep up the good work!
Right now, it's Kuch all the way.
McDavid came on after a slow start, and while that's nice, he wasn't cooking all season like the other three. It's MVP, not comeback of the year.
With that in mind the top 3 are, in order, Kuch, McKinnon, then Matthews.
And the Matthews hate is insane. You hate the Leafs? How original. 65 goals in 70 games. With goaltending the way it is? Even strength goals and he is best all around forward.
I have him 3rd, but the idea that McDavid is ranked higher nonsense.
When McDavid won the Rocket with 64 goals, everyone was screaming MVP.
As a leafs fan I still have Matty at 4. It's not as far as alot of people make it out to be, but the other 3 have been monsters offensively.
But I agree kuch is the most deserving. He's dragged that Tampa team into the playoffs.
As a die hard leafs fan who's loving & over-celebrating every second of #34's INCREDIBLE goal scoring run, I'm torn by McJesus's 99 assists - there is no denying that he elevates his teammates like no other player in the NHL... Then there is MacKinnon, who I watched lead my local QMJHL team to it's first memorial cup victory & he's a local boy representing Halifax in the footsteps of Crosby. It's tough, but of course if Austin Matthews hits 70 goals, it's got to be him! At the end of the day, most importantly - What a great year we're having as fans & hopefully the excitement is just getting started as we head into playoff time!!
Kucherov. ⚡️
I'm just glad I got to see the Tom Brady Hertz commercial for the 12 billionth time before this video.
Good points and indeed all 4 are deserving for consideration. However, as Darren Pang mentioned on The Leafs Nation earlier today, if the Pens get into the playoffs I think Crosby has to factored into the discussion, as well. Btw, I'm not even a Pens fan, but what Sid has done to carry Pittsburgh is impressive. Overall, I agree with your premise, this has been an amazing year in hockey and we have many deserving players!
Crosby playing at this level at his age is insane
Mack may not be at the same level of individual importance as Kucherov or McDavid, but I’ve always firmly believed that Mack is a big part of why the Avs offense is as quick as it is, from every player. Man definitely deserves the nod, sooner or later
I think crosby deserves to be in the conversation. Without him, the pens would be bottom 4 in the league. He has dragged them into the playoff race almost by himself.
at 36 years old…
That may be true, but in that exact same line of thinking he is outclassed by Kucherov who dragged his team to a comfortable playoff race. Each of these 4 brings something unique to offensive domination. MacKinnon is physically unstoppable and can individually overwhelm defense, Kucherov is the most dangerous player leading in points, McDavid is the best at creating offense leading in zone possession and assists, and Matthews is by far the best triggerman in the league leading in goals. Hard to argue Crosby is best at anything this season. He may get a few nods at number 5 from voters who forget Pastrnak and Q. Hughes exist. Stellar, notable season from a player who has had many, but not in the Hart conversation.
@@sparrowcdwell then if anything Sid should at least get seriously consideration from the NHLPA for another Ted Lindsey award.
Great analysis, as usual, with one quibble: hardest thing to do in the NHL is stopping pucks.
Kucherov. his team wouldn't be in the playoffs without him and they would have traded stamkos.
EPIC content bro. great coverage.
I’m addicted to this channel
If Matthew’s hits 70, it has to be him. I can’t stand the Leafs, but there is no denying it. If 70 goals isn’t enough to win MVP I don’t know what it should take
If Matthews does not get 70, he has zero chance of being MVP. If he does, then it will be close. Even with 136 points, Kucherov is only a +8, while the rest are all over +30.
The problem for Kucherov is that even when he wants to take shots he still has 2-3 guys on him because he’s a good shot which he uses to make passes to his open guys. Dude gets marked every play to limit his scoring chances because scoring is more dangerous than potential passes
@@GameOnWest maybe so, but that’s not unique about Kucherov. All 4 of these guys get a ton of attention from opposition defenders
Thanks again for another great video, always love your breakdowns. I think Nate is my MVP as it currently stands, but what are your thoughts on the Calder?
Tampa Bay would be a bottom feeder team without Kutcherov dragging them along. The other 3 teams would be middle of the pack without these candidates
Oilers would be up for another 1st overall draft pick bud.
Tampa still has Stamkos, Point, Hedman, Vasilevsky, and Cooper. I love Kuch as much as anyone, but his supporting cast is as good as any of the other candidates.
@@CallsignJoNayAnd yet they all regressed from prior seasons while only Kucherov improved. 🤔
While all four of these guys absolutely deserve to be in the conversation (and any one of them would probably win hands-down any other year), I do think it's a bit of a shame that defenders and goalies rarely enter these discussions. Quinn Hughes and Hellebuyck have been every bit as valuable to their teams, and I'm sure there are other examples. I'm saying this to highlight a blindspot in media discussions, of course, not your video! Great work :)
Mackinnon
The nhl should vote for this category based on the team around their “mvps”… half of these players are gifted with phenomenal teams that are so skilled it really doesn’t make them overly “valuable” imo
They all deserve something for their seasons. I am hoping the awards go Kuch: Art Ross, Mack: Hart, McDavid: Ted Lindsay, Mathhews:Rocket (obviously)
That would make sense. Split the awards among the 4 elite seasons. McDavid would tie Gretzky for wins with that too.
Kucherov, Nate the Mack, absolutely shredding this season.
McOverrated and Matthews, better luck next year kids.
All 3 Hughes Brothers are awesome! Let's not forget Crosby either. Greatest player of our generation.
Matthews has 66 goals now
He'll finish with 67 in classic Leafs style.
He'll finish with 69 and that will be a stratospheric accomplishment as well as a groovy sensation
@@robrick9361 lol 💯
@robrick9361 now he has 68
@@-Subtle- He'll finish the year with 72 goals, 71 during the regular season. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I wish you would not just look att the individual point scoring race. And what about Quinn Hughes, who really have been making Vancouver a better team and who is arguably the best defenceman in the league? What would Vancouver be without him?
Insane that the likes of Pasta, Breadman, Hughes, and Helle not getting a shift at a nomination this year.
What a trophy race
I agree, they've all had great seasons, it's just harder to make their case in terms of team impact. The Bruins and Rangers suffer in these individual categories because their team is so solid across the board. Goaltending, defence, depth scoring and a superstar sniper, they have it all, so it only makes it harder to make clear arguments that one player has an outsized impact on the team success. Vancouver's coach should clearly win the Adams, that just seems obvious, even though the system probably doesn't work without Hughes. It's still a harder argument when the team was so crappy last year with basically the same roster - does credit go to the coach or the player? As for Helle, Winnipeg is 35-19 with him in the net, and 14-5 with him out, so again, it's not a clear argument for MVP.
With the Lightning though, the team situation being what it is (missing Sergachev and Cernak, Vasilevskiy not playing well, Stamkos declining), there's really no other explanation for their playoff berth other than Kucherov's performance. Whether this should count more for MVP or not (should a mediocre team result really be weighted higher than an excellent team result?) is a different argument, but it obviously highlights Kucherov's value to his team.
Crosby has been very similar this year for the Pens too. While he's 55 points behind Kucherov, his team is much better defensively, and I think that comes down to his leadership and example. Last night against Detroit, it was Crosby busting his ass to cover defensive mistakes by Karlsson. Unfortunately, no one ever wins MVP for defensive performance, which is why the Selke exists, and why shut-down defensemen barely ever get considered for the Norris. Just the way things are.
6:18 who is #1 in rush chances
Last night added to Nates case for MVP this year. The MVP chant was loud in that arena
I think Artemi panarin should be there also he littearly has 120 points and is a huge reason why the rangers won the presidents trophy
even as a leafs fan its a pretty clear cut who it is and its the man on tampa
Agreed.
It would be awesome if all of them get the trophy! It suits the mentality of hockey imo. It emphasizes respect and appreciation of different ways to contribute to the teams success. All named players are just fantastic hockey players and unbelievably skilled.
Kuch has been in lead for like 80% of the season. Kuch is half of the team's points. There's no argument to be made. Kucherov wins.
Matthews gets labeled as a pure goal scorer but he's really more of a 2 way forward that happens to be a top goal scorer. He'll never put up the points that the other 3 do but I would argue his all-around game is the most complete of the 4.
Idk. Good stick lifts in offensive zone /some nuetral zone if you skate near him but he dont move much which is also a reason why he scores how he does. Hes really always jus coasting off in space and gets lost out of the play then he comes from out of nowhere into the play and gets the puck whith noone pickin him up. Kinda an oxymoron. Amazing at finding space and timing but imo his 2 way game really lacks. Doesnt move his legs much without the puck. But maybe he wouldnt be the scorer he is if he was more involved in the plays or digging for pucks. Jus my thoughts, open for discussion.
Mcdavid missed out on the award in the past because he played on a line with Draisaitl. Why does nobody seem to care about quality of teammates now? Mcdavid and Kucherov are the only real choices based on what the award actually is.
While people talk about goaltending...what made Gretzky so great is he had all of the top attributes of ALL of these players. Gretzky behind the net is still unmatched.
They called it his office.
should be Kucherov because no other candidate has single-handedly dragged a would-be draft lottery candidate to the playoffs. that said, it’s going to be Mackinnon for stupid narrative reasons like “he’s due” and “Kucherov didn’t try at the all star thingy”
They all have crazy impact on their team. Without McDavid, do you really think they go on the run they have from out of playoffs completely to still having a shot at winning the Pacific and pretty much a guarantee of home ice the first round?
@@wwpjd28 of course, take a player with 130 points off of any team and they’re much worse off. but the lightning having an egregious goal differential with kucherov off the ice and an elite goal differential with kucherov on the ice says everything that needs to be said about which team would be worst without their art ross contender.
Okey I haven't been that much into NHL until couple last season but can goalie win Hart trophy? Also wouldn't keeping clean sheet be more harder than score goal?
Yes a goalie can win mvp, and yes getting a shutout is much harder than scoring a goal. The most shutouts for a goaltender this year is 6, which is impressive but not worldbeating. Meanwhile the points these candidates are putting up are historic for it to all happen in the same year, so no goaltenders are going to be nominated for mvp this year
As a leafs fan, Nakita deserves it. He literally put tampa on his back this season
People under credit panarin because he has had a career year in all stats he also doesn’t have number 1 top super stars like Nate Mckinnon (tell me if I spelled that wrong pls) has Cale makar and rantenen Matthew’s has marner and nylander Mcdavid has drai
Panarin is an underrated superstar
Hey dont leave out panarin just yet, hes still got as much of a chance as anyone.
he’s so far out of the race that he’d not even a betting option on draft kings lol
He has just as much of a chance as anyone except McDavid or Matthews or MacKinnon or Kucherov
Its the HART not art ross u dummy... Panarin should in reality only be beaten by Kuch in the voting cuz they are both solo carrying their teams and one of those teams have led the league since forever thanks to Panarin. Kuch edges it but Nate and Matthews should never be in for the hart ahead of Panarin...@@McNutEVD
Much love Hockey psychology what an amazing year you got me back into the sport I love and for that thank you for that!
Hart trophy should go to Kucherov
Because Tampa would be useless without him? lol
As much as I hate the guy yes I agree without him Tampa isn’t even sniffing the playoffs
tampa would have an outside shot of winning the draft lottery this offseason if not for Kucherov
I've been fantasizing lately of some freak scenario where the penguins actually make it into the playoffs and pull off a Panthers scenario from last year, but the Pens actually win. . . To see Crosby lift up the cup one last time at his age would be EPIC. . . . . . I know there is like a zero chance of that tho. And I'm not even a Penguins fan.
How about Panarin?
Having a career year but so is everyone else.
They all certainly belong in the conversation but the Hart should go to Kuch. The points you lay out make it clear he is the literal definition of a teams and divisions MVP. You did fail to mention he's doing all this as a winger vs the other 3 centers.
Imo it’s gotta be Kuch. There’s just no way to stop him. He’s a cerebral killer which the other three don’t have at Kuch’s ability
As a leafs fan ya haha he's dangerous and has taken it up a notch this year
@@TheGamerChronicles999 I’ve watched him knock my isles outta playoff for two years straight. You know you’re unreal when it looks like u play with no effort
Whoever wins it can hold their heads high given the guys they beat to get there. Phenomenal season from these guys.
The oilers do literally nothing without mcdavid
Kucherov has like 50 points on his nearest comp on his team
That's it there are no other choices
Holy drunk☠️☠️☠️
Completely agree
Yup!
Not to take away from how amazing they've been this season but if Matthews wins it'll be out of popularity, and if Mac wins it'll be a bit of a "He hasn't gotten one yet and it's his turn" pity vote.
@danielk9475 Mcdavid has people vote against him out of jealousy and to get clicks. Kucherov has people vote against him because he's Russian.
It's should be two horse race really. McKinnon and Matthews. McKinnon edges it out I think. The real issue is scoring close to 70 goals while playing Selke level defense, it's hard to ignore the dominance of Matthews. McKinnnon is more balanced offensively and is more explosive on the rush.
its Mackinnon, just look at the odds
Based on +/- it's between McDavid or MacKinnon.
@@hoskins666 im not saying it should be Mackinnon but it will be him 100 %
I went back all the way to the 1967-68 season, the start of the expansion era, to look at Hart trophy winners
34 out of 55 finished first (or tied for first) in scoring
8 forwards finished 2nd in scoring
6 forwards finished either 3rd or 6th
5 of those 14 forwards finished first in goals, but not points.
One of those 14 won the Selke
Every other win is a defenseman or a goalie.
Kucherov should win it
MacK 100%. No matter what happens over the next week.
All matthews cares about is stats and golf, he isnt serious about playoffs
What would make u say something so ignorant? The guy put the team.on his back vs tampa last year and leafs have never had a full team built for playoffs, Ur just an echo chamber of the haters but saying he doesnt care is just a false statement, People also said that about Ovi they are similar style players so we'll see he's still young
Couldn't be less true. But literally and repeatedly says he'd rather win than have stats.
Just add “said the seven year old boy” at the end of that statement. Obviously he cares about the playoffs just hasn’t had any team success so far
Matthews might not have the points but he provides incredible defensive value. I don’t think he’ll win it but he’s not exactly a long shot
It's kuch, he's carried Tampa into the playoffs.
OILERS FAN HERE. Kuch 100% deserves it this season.
matthews doesn’t deserve the mvp…he doesn’t deserve it over any of the big 3 let alone panarin/pasta. The delusion that matthews deserves is just stupid lmao he’s not the best player on his team he’s not anywhere near what the mvp of a team is compared to any else that is ahead of him lmao. Of all the people who are in the hunt it’s kucherov without him the lightning aren’t in the playoffs, they might even been the bottom of the league he is the actually definition of the hart trophy and should win it he’s been beyond absurd
Matthews won it when he scored 60 2 years ago but I'd say McDavid is a lock for it no one has done 100 assists in a single season since the 90's
Ur just jealous cuz no one in the whole league can scpre goals like him and dont forget goals are the hardest thing to do in hockey. Plus he just hit 60 goals for the second time which non of the other mvp candidates has done. 😂😂😂
@@nasirdin857 😭alright toronto fan whatever you say
Know what the leafs have never won? A conference final. Or a game against zamboni driver 😂
@@danielpetrucci8952 kuch probably hits 100 assists too
If Mattews gets 70 it's over. Assists don't win games, goals do. Plus there's 2 assists per goal. 3 people close to 100 assists means not so rare. Where if Mattews gets 70, no one else even in there 60's.Plus his production on 5 on 5 play. Doesn't cheat the game. Most likely getting nominated for selke. Selke plus rocket means, without a doubt, the heart. Sorry to others but Mattews out performed you every where!
Why didn’t you make a prediction
It's Nate's to win, has been all season. If you don't think so, you don't know hockey.