Over this past season and perhaps longer than that, the question in the NHL has been who is the best player in the league. The usual suspects in this argument has been the Penguins' Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and the Capitals' Alex Ovechkin.
The question will be answered tonight.
All three have had glittering careers to this point. Winners of the past two Hart Trophies, Crosby and Ovechkin have also won two Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorers in past seasons. This year's winner, Evgeni Malkin, is largely credited for carrying the Pens through crucial moments of last year's regular season when Crosby missed significant playing time because of injuries.
The trio have had a memorable playoff season. Alex the Great leads all playoff scorers with 20 points, while Sid the Kid is second with 18, and Geno is right behind with 17. Heck, Ovechkin and Crosby have each had hat tricks in this second round series, in the same game.
All three add their own personal flair to the game. Crosby in the NHL's proclaimed "Golden Boy," the chosen one who will take the league's popularity to new heights. He is a jack of all trades, with a sweet shot, a crisp pass, and a knack for coming up clutch in big moments. Malkin is the Robin to Crosby's Batman. He is a big man with deceptive speed, and he can glide through defenses like a knife through butter. Ovechkin is the villain, the man opposing teams and fans love to hate. He scorches through defenses like a hungry cheetah, and beats his chest like King Kong after walloping his prey.
But none of that matters now. Great players and legendary players are defined through their performances in championship moments. Legendary players drink from the Cup in June, the good players watch on TV.
While the question of who is the NHL's best player has been debated for a while, it has never been given a legitimate way to evaluate who is indeed the best. Until now.
The best player in the National Hockey League will rise above the rest and ignite his team to victory tonight. The NHL's best will be unmasked tonight, and his prize will be the ability to play more hockey this spring.
The better team and the best player will be discovered tonight. Let's get it on.
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