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The Hart Trophy is awarded annually to the “most valuable player to his team.” The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association is tasked with determining who the league MVP is.
This year, the task is much harder than in other years.
Unlike 2020-2021, in which Connor McDavid was voted unanimously, this year’s field includes several worthy candidates, including McDavid. But two names stand out above the rest: Auston Matthews and Nikita Kucherov.
The Toronto Maple Leafs franchise player has been on a year-long quest to break a 30-year-old mark. Currently, at 69 goals, Auston Matthews has one more game to reach that elusive 70-goal mark. Given how special the mark is, getting to that plateau would make Matthews a lock for the Hart Trophy.
Then, there is Tampa Bay Lightning heart and soul, Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov is on track to take the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer. He sits at 142 points, featuring 99 assists. If Kucherov can net one more assist, he would join Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr and McDavid in an elite group of scorers.
With such historic feats upon us, it may be virtually impossible to vote for one superstar or the other. Ultimately, the deciding factor will boil down to the rarity of each achievement. McDavid actually reached the 100-assist mark earlier this year.
However, no one has come close to 70 goals in recent memory. The last time anyone got close was Alexander Ovechkin, with 65 in 2007-2008. In that case, Matthews edges Kucherov.
However, if Matthews falls short of 70 goals, it seems that the Hart Trophy will be Kucherov’s to lose.
Hart Trophy candidates meet head-to-head
The Leafs and Lightning will face off Wednesday night at Amalie Arena in Tampa. The tilt marks the final game of the regular season for the two clubs, and both Matthews and Kucherov are expected to suit up.
With Matthews at 69 goals and Kucherov at 99 assists, tonight’s game could be historic. It’s rare to see two superstars square off with so much history on the line. Regardless of which team fans cheer for, it’s hard not to root for both players to reach these unique feats.
The Leafs-Lightning showdown should have no shortage of drama. Even if playoff seedings have been decided in the Eastern Conference, there is still quite a bit on the line tonight.
Plus, bragging rights are also up for grabs. The Leafs have taken two of three matchups this year and can lock down the season series, while the Lightning can salvage a split.
Regardless of bragging rights, tonight's matchup provides a unique opportunity to see two Hart Trophy candidates on the verge of hockey history. It's a wonderful time to be a hockey fan.
