Sidney Crosby Falls Behind in Early Hart Trophy Race
The Pittsburgh Penguins are showing a commendable level of competitiveness this NHL season. With an impressive record of 8-4-2, they hold a strong position in the Metropolitan Division, currently trailing only the New Jersey Devils. Captain Sidney Crosby has been the driving force behind the Penguins’ offense, contributing significantly to their early success.
Sidney Crosby’s Performance Amid Early Hart Trophy Race
Despite the recent challenges faced by Pittsburgh, including back-to-back losses, Crosby remains pivotal. He has recorded 17 points so far, including nine goals and eight assists, positioning himself for another potential 100-point season. However, it’s surprising to note that he is not considered an early favorite for the Hart Trophy.
Current Hart Trophy Favorites
A recent poll conducted by ESPN highlights the players who are leading the race for the Hart Trophy this season. Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights stands out as the frontrunner, having secured 42% of first-place votes. Other notable players in the conversation include:
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) – 19% of votes
- Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets) – 15% of votes
Eichel’s exceptional play earned him the NHL Player of the Month title for October, and he currently leads the league in points. Makar has also been impressive, accumulating 18 points in 13 games while providing strong support for Colorado’s offense. Interestingly, while teammate Nathan MacKinnon boasts 19 points, Makar received more backing in the polls.
Crosby’s Hart Trophy Challenges
What stands out regarding Crosby is his absence from early Hart predictions despite his past accolades. He has previously won the Hart Trophy three times, a distinction that sets him apart from current contenders. This season, however, he has not secured any first-place votes. Voters may still be assessing whether Pittsburgh’s strong start and Crosby’s contributions can be sustained over the entire season.
If Crosby maintains his scoring pace and leads the Penguins to the playoffs, he could emerge as a strong contender for the Hart Trophy. The initial skepticism regarding his candidacy could simply reflect a wait-and-see approach from voters, as they gauge the consistency of both Crosby’s performance and the team’s success. The Hart Trophy race is shaping up to be quite competitive this season, with many players making notable impacts on their teams.
