Hart Memorial Trophy

[jayc948]

The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

JAROMIR JAGR - Right Wing, New York Rangers
- Voted a Hart Trophy finalist for the sixth time; finished first in 1999, second in 1995, 1998 and 2000 and third in 2001.
- Finished second in League scoring with 123 points (54 goals, 69 assists).
- Set Rangers franchise records for goals and points in a season.

MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF - Goaltender, Calgary Flames
- Named a Hart Trophy finalist for the first time.
- Won his first William Jennings Trophy (goaltender on the club allowing the fewest goals, 200).
- Led all goaltenders in goals-against average (2.03) and shutouts (10), ranked second in victories (42), third in save percentage (.923).

JOE THORNTON - Center, San Jose Sharks
- Named a Hart Trophy finalist for the first time.
- Captured the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer with a career-high 125 points (29 goals, 96 assists).
- Tallied 20-72--92 in 58 games with San Jose following Nov. 30 trade from Boston.

[canuckfan]

Kind of funny, Thornton is the only one left in the playoffs on this list. Still, I think Calgary's goal scoring problems in their series against the Ducks sort of epitomizes how important Kiprusoff is to his team. If it weren't for him, the Flames would be no better off than the Minnesota Wild. He gives them a chance to win each and every single game he starts which was pretty much all of them. He still gets my vote.

[Dunrobin]

I choose Thornton, but I voted Jagr only because I have a bad feeling he will tally most of the votes from the sports writers for the simple fact he is a New York player.

[Isles4life]

Thornton deserves this award. Jagr and Kiprusoff were key to their team's all season, but look at the leap in the standings San Jose made after acquiring Joe. Look at Cheechoo's production. Look at the fact that they're now the top seed left in the West, although nobody was expecting that. The impact Thornton had in San Jose I think should win him the trophy.

[JKidd]

"most valuable to his team"

Without a doubt its Joe and his significance to the Sharks. A dead fish became a powerhouse as soon as he moved there. And he was basically single handedly responsible for changing their fortunes.

[applescruff]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Thornton deserves this award. Jagr and Kiprusoff were key to their team's all season, but look at the leap in the standings San Jose made after acquiring Joe. Look at Cheechoo's production. Look at the fact that they're now the top seed left in the West, although nobody was expecting that. The impact Thornton had in San Jose I think should win him the trophy.

I agree 100% with your reasoning. Thornton should win hands down. I would only add that it seems when teams key on Jagr, his productivity falls considerably. Thornton on the other hand, seems to thrive whether they are keying on him or not. Only trouble is most of the people in the East (myself included) have only seen SJ play a few times, which may hurt his chances.

[BM24]

If the Rangers didn't have Jagr then he arrived 20 games into the season and played how he played he would have been just as valuable if not more valuable than Thornton IMO.

I don't like Jagr and I am a big Thornton fan, but I think Jagr helped the Rangers win a lot of games they had no right to be in by scoring big goals.

[Saskachuck]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

If it weren't for him, the Flames would be no better off than the Minnesota Wild.

I was saying almost the exact same thing to a buddy the other day and agree that Kipprusoff should get the Hart. Other than Iginla, Calgary has the worst group of forwards in the league and, with Iggy having an off year, Kipper had to carry the team. A close second for the Hart is Thornton, Jagr isn't even on the radar...

[bengino]

Originally Posted by jkidd

"most valuable to his team"

Without a doubt its Joe and his significance to the Sharks. A dead fish became a powerhouse as soon as he moved there. And he was basically single handedly responsible for changing their fortunes.

yup, and what i find funny is that since the Sharks climed to the 5th seed most people changed their minds from JJ to JT...

[Ruutu_isaweasel]

i say Brian Mc****ingGrattan..changed ottawa completely..if it were up to me he would be one of the first holding the cup

and on a side note im canadian and am embarrassed to have Joe thornton praised as much as he is...He just plain gave up on Boston..I don't like that team but that's a definite slap in the face. You want a guy with some heart look Mats Sundins way..terrible team this year yet he gutted it out at the end and was one of the top scorers last month or so

[sabresfan06]

either jarg or thornton for sure they lead the league in points if im correct and they definetally stood up to lead their teams

[Bomdigity]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Thornton deserves this award. Jagr and Kiprusoff were key to their team's all season, but look at the leap in the standings San Jose made after acquiring Joe. Look at Cheechoo's production. Look at the fact that they're now the top seed left in the West, although nobody was expecting that. The impact Thornton had in San Jose I think should win him the trophy.

Well put