IS KARLSSON BEING OVERLOOKED?
Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson is a brilliant player, possessing lightning speed and exceptional offensive instincts. He has finished first in points among defensemen in three of the past four years and is a lock (59 points) to do it again this year. But is this season enough to get him Hart Trophy consideration as league MVP? USA TODAY Sports NHL columnist Kevin Allen and NHL editor Jimmy Hascup debate:
they are elite. Karlsson is playing in a different stratosphere this season. The Senators are the fourth-worst possession team (47%). With Karlsson on the ice, they are nearly 56%. His relative Corsi is greater than Joe Thornton’s, Patrice Bergeron’s and Aaron Ekblad’s. That is a sensational impact from one player.
Allen: We wouldn’t penalize Karlsson for playing on a poor team as much as we would reward Kane and Holtby for being the best players on a quality team. Remember, these are all elite players we are comparing. They are all performing at an advanced level. We have to separate these players by some means to vote on MVP, and I believe the ability to lead your team to success is one way to do it. Holtby has been as noteworthy as Carey Price was last season with the Montreal Canadiens. He has been the reason the Capitals have won on many occasions. Kane carried the flag for the Blackhawks when they were dealing with several key injuries.
Hascup: No doubt it’s hard to overlook a player who’s likely to eclipse 100 points and get close to 50 goals. The struggle for me when the season ends (disclosure: I don’t have a Hart Trophy vote) will be weighing that against a defenseman who could put up 90 points on a team that is significantly weakened without him. Holtby has been spectacular, but he has not been the savior Price was. This Capitals team is a much more formidable group. That’s why I can’t make Holtby my Hart winner.
Allen: I’m confident that the Capitals players would say Holtby has been their best player. Here’s the bottom line: The Blackhawks were expected to take a step back this season, and they haven’t. Kane’s best offensive season has been a primary reason. The Capitals were expected to be a top team but not as dominant as they have been. Holtby’s play has lifted them. The Senators are right where we thought they would be. As great as Karlsson has performed, he hasn’t been able to change the Senators’ fortunes. Here’s another bottom line: All three of these players could end up as finalists for the award. They have all played Hart Trophyquality hockey.