With the season closing upon us, I was wondering who does everyone think will win the Heart trophy as NHL MVP? Personally, I think the 3 finalists should be: Lidstrom, Ovechkin, and Brodeur.

I would pick Ovechkin to win it out of these players. Washington would be one of the worst teams in the league if not for Ovechkin's goalscoring, physical play, and the energy level he brings to his team. Brodeur is in the same situation as Ovechkin for NJ. New Jersey has scored the 4th fewest amount of goals in the league. The 3 teams that have scored fewer than NJ (NYI, Columbus, and St Louis) are all at the bottom of their division while the Devils are holding the 5th playoff seed as I'm writing this. A big reason for that has been Marty Brodeur winning a guaranteed 40+ games each year. Lidstrom is equally as important to the Wings because of the stabilizing force he brings to the defense and his amazing passing ability (just see how crappy the Wings were when he was injured). However, he doesn't get enough recognition to be seriously considered for this trophy, but at least he deserves to be nominated.

I know a lot of people like Malkin for Heart, but I don't think dominating for 1/2 the season should be worth MVP. When Crosby was healthy, Malkin was great, but not MVP-great. He shouldn't win a trophy for only being important for half a season. Other people have mentioned Iginla, but I don't think he was as important as the other guys I've mentioned.

who do you guys vote for or think should win the Heart?

I think it should go to Ovechkin.
Most people I have talked to say if the Caps miss the playoffs that Malkin should win it. I don't think you can give it to Malkin. The trophy is supposed to go to the most valueable player on the team. If you take Ovechkin out of Washington the team would be fighting for the #1 pick not a playoff spot. If you take Malkin off of the Pens they would still be in a playoff position. Maybe not 1st in the conference but probably still in the hunt for 1st in the division.
I don't think that making the playoffs should be a determining factor in who wins the Hart.
A case could easily be made for Brodeur. He would be 2nd in my opinion. That team would be terrible without him Lidstrom is another good candidate.

Has anyone even considered A.Kovalev? The habs wouldn't be where they are right now if it wasn't for him. Also I think he should take the comeback player too,

Kovalev may be the MVP for the Canadians, but there is no way that he is the mvp of the leauge. My vote goes to Ovechkin also. He is leading in scoring and has carried his club. Another pick is Malkin, he has stepped it up when Crosby was injured, and has been fantastic.

Is their actually a Devils team without Brodeur?