Way Too Early MVP Talk

Bunch of names have been floating out there. Ovechkin seems to be the favorite for this year's Hart, though I don't really know why. He's not even the best player on the Caps this year (see below).

I'm a firm believer that the main difference maker on a playoff team should be the MVP each year. Recently, there's been a trend of just voting for the Art Ross winner. In that case, put money on Malkin getting the MVP trophy as well. But say the Penguins don't make the playoffs, or they do but not by any special feat by Malkin. Who are the 3 candidates (and honorable mentions) I would choose?

I had to make one of my top 3 a situational pick. That is, his team must make the playoffs for him to be seriously considered. But here are my honorable mentions first:

Pavel Datsyuk (Red Wings)
Why: He's a friggin' beast, and the leader of a great team
Why Not: He hasn't been THE reason for Detroit's success, he's a player in a very good system.

Joe Thornton (Sharks)
Why: Leading point getter on the Sharks
Why Not: Nothing particularly amazing beyond that.

Scott Clemmensen (Devils)
Why: Who thought the Devils would be leading the Atlantic this late without Martin Brodeur? If you say you did, you're a lying asshole.
Why Not: Better goalies below

Zdeno Chara (Bruins)
Why: Are you going to argue with the Yeti's performance?
Why Not: He's not even the top performer on his team, see below.

Evgeni Malkin (Penguins)
Why: For reasons stated above
Why Not: Could potentially happen (probably will make top 3), but I don't see him winning without the Pens in the playoffs.

Alex Ovechkin (Capitals)
Why: League's leading goal scorer, and he's a force on the ice
Why Not: He's a cog in the well-oiled Capitals machine, and the Caps haven't been challenged in their division-leading supremacy like the other five front-runners.

Now, for my top 3:

3. Steve Mason (Blue Jackets)

Why: The shoo-in for ROY, he currently leads the league in GAA and shutouts. The kid is absolutely phenomenal, he deserves it.
Why Not: If the Blue Jackets don't make the playoffs, it'll be all for naught.

2. Tim Thomas (Bruins)

Why: He's been leading the league or in the top few all season for GAA and Save Percentage. His solid play is the reason for Boston's dominance of the Eastern Conference, and their drastic improvement over last year.
Why Not: It might be more for his D than his individual effort.

Finally....

1. Mike Green (Capitals)

Why: He's been the best player in the NHL this year, hands down. Not only is he leading a surprising defensive corps, he also broke the NHL record tonight for most consecutive games with a goal (7). He's a leader on the ice and his solid play is an example to every hockey player in the world.
Why Not: Just like the QB-RB bias for the Heisman Trophy, there's a Forward bias in hockey, with Goalies occasionally grabbing one for exceptional years. Voters may overlook this human wrecking ball, in favor of someone flashier (Malkin or his teammate, Ovechkin). This would, in my opinion, be a loss for the league.

Well, look at that. I chose a Capital to win the Hart. Looks like I'm not an outrageous homer after all.

- Matt