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Alex Ovechkin hopes to join Orr, Gretzky and win three straight Hart Trophies

Alex Ovechkin

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Sunday, March 28, 2010, in Washington. The Flames won 5-3. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

Alex Ovechkin is hoping to receive his third straight Hart Trophy tonight at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. The two players standing in his way are Art Ross Trophy winner Henrik Sedin and Maurice Richard Trophy co-winner Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin would be the third player in NHL history to win the trophy three times in a row. Bobby Orr won three in a row from the 1969-70 season to the 71-72 campaign while Wayne Gretzky won a staggering eight straight from 79-80 to 86-87. There have been quite a few players who won two in a row, but hitting the three-peat is an accomplishment even greats such as Gordie Howe, Richard and Mario Lemieux couldn’t match.

Ultimately, it all comes down to how people feel about Alex Ovechkin. Back around the end of the 2009-10 season, PHT made a “case” for all three candidates. Click on the links below to take a look at each player’s argument.

The Case for Henrik Sedin

The Case for Alex Ovechkin

The Case for Sidney Crosby

(For the record, Ovechkin dominated the MVP voting among PHT readers.)

We’ve determined which player readers thought should win, but who do you think will actually end up with the award? Keep in mind the fact that postseason play doesn’t factor into Hart Trophy voting. Should Ovechkin join Orr and Gretzky in the three-peat club?