In order to be ranked among the best ever in the game, chances are you've got to have a little Hart.
The early results are in and with a few months to go before the regular season is in the books, everyone, it seems, has an opinion on who may be taking home the Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP later this summer.
Contrary to what many fans think, the Hart is not awarded to the best player in the league, but the most valuable to his own team.
Morenz. Shore. Blake. Richard. Howe. Beliveau. Hull. Orr. Lafleur. Gretzky. Lemieux. Jagr. Forsberg. Thornton.
Some of the best to ever play the game have their names inscribed on the Hart Trophy. One more will be added a few months from now.
It's time to count down my favorites for the honor in 2008:
10. Mats Sundin, Toronto
OK, laugh if you must. How can a captain who has his team mired in 28th spot be even considered for the league MVP? Well, my short-sighted friends, as mentioned above, the Hart is the award given to the MVP of his team, not the guy with the slickest moves or the most points. The Leafs are in shambles to the delight of many, but without Sundin, who may put up the best numbers of his career, Steve Stamkos would be getting fitted for a Leafs jersey right about now. He won't win it, but he makes the short list.
9. Joe Thornton, San Jose
Some will argue that Thornton is not nearly high enough on my Hart list and, considering he captains the second most potent offense out west, that argument is probably valid. With 55 points, Thornton's output more than doubles that of his closest teammate.
Evgeni Nabokov would be running a close second to Thornton as the San Jose MVP, with a .916 save percentage and a 1.99 goals against average heading into the Sharks game Tuesday night. That in itself bumps Thornton down a few pegs on the Hart ladder.
8. Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa
With perhaps the best supporting cast in the league, Alfredsson may be seen by some as overrated. Not likely. On pace for his best season since being drafted by the Sens, Alfredsson also has four game winners. Sorry, Leaf fans, this guy is clutch.
7. Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay
Anyone who doesn't think Lecavalier is in the running for the Hart hasn't been paying attention. The fact Tampa Bay is fighting Toronto for the Eastern Division basement is the only reason Lecavalier is not higher. The best player in the game today? Discuss amongst yourselves.
6. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit
All right, I get it, the Wings are stacked. Best team in the league. Blah, blah, blah. But picture a playoff run without the best defenseman in the world. As Lidstrom goes, so go the Wings.
5. Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta
Selfish, yes. Bit of an ego? You bet. One of the best scorers in the game? Leading the league in goals is ample proof. Fighting for a division crown, even in the mediocre Southeast, would be a pipe dream for the Thrashers without Kovalchuk.
4. Jarome Iginla, Calgary
Third in the league in goals, fourth in points and on pace for the first 100-point campaign of his career. Any hope the Flames have of an extended run this spring are going to hinge on the stick of Iginla.
3. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington
Had a tough time deciding who was more deserving to be in the #2 slot and ended up going with Crosby. As dazzling as OV can be, Crosby is sure to be the most dominant player in the world for years to come. He gets it by default. But Ovechkin doesn't take a back seat to anyone most nights.
2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh
Anyone still have any doubt regarding the hype that surrounded the NHL draft when Crosby was the prize? Didn't think so.
1. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver
With Luongo bringing his magic every night, the Canucks are a Stanley Cup contender. Without him, they are fighting for a playoff spot. Clear enough?