An Unsung Hero

I know I'm biased, but the numbers don't lie. Pavel Datsyuk deserves some serious recognition for his work, and even some serious consideration for the Hart Trophy (awarded to the NHL's MVP)

If I were a betting man, I'd say that Hart Trophy candidates will be Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Steve Mason. Mason is a goalie who might make a run for the Veznia (NHL's Best Goaltender) but probably won't capture the Hart... at least, not this year! My argument for Pavel won't be made as a Red Wings fan, but merely by presenting the stats on a level playing field. Nothing against Mason, but let me compare Malkin, Ovechkin, and Datsyuk in my argument.
(Yes, It's amost a lock that the NHL MVP will be from Russia)

• Malkin leads his team in points by 9, and Ovechkin leads his team in points by 23. Datsyuk leads his team by 25.
• Malkin is second on his team in +/- at +16, Ovechkin is sixth in Washington at +8, while Datsyuk leads Detroit by +5 and leads forwards on his team by +11 and his impressive +38 he leads the entire NHL.
• Both Malkin and Ovechkin play on the point on the power play, allowing them both play an extra 150-200 PP minutes so far this season. If you adjust that number so that all three have played 400 PP minutes, Ovechkin and Malkin would be tied with 104 points, and Datsyuk would be leading the league with 114.

Now elite players in the NHL have to overcome hooks, trips, elbows, and any other type of obstruction you can imagine. It takes a serious level of mental strength to avoid losing your cool and taking stupid penalties when that happens. When determining value to your team, you can't have your superstar in the penalty box.

• Malkin has spent 78 minutes in the penalty box, Ovechkin has been sent off for 70 minutes, while Datsyuk has spent just 20 minutes in the sin bin.

Even when comparing Malkin and Ovechkin's average Time On Ice (TOI) to Datsyuk, his TOI is sitting at 19:12, while the other two are averaging approx. 23 mins. Clearly Pavel Datsyuk is putting up MVP worthy numbers, while spending an average of 4 minutes less on the ice. (even with the high penalty minutes posted by Evgeni and Alex)

With Malkin poised to win the Art Ross (NHL Points Leader) and Ovechkin the favourite for the Rocket Richard Trophy (Most Goals) I think it's safe to assume one of these two will be awarded the Hart as well.

My money is on Ovechkin, but I wanted to make sure to give credit where credit is due.