NEW YORK -- The Hart Trophy debate this season includes an array of names from Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price to Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin to New York Islanders center John Tavares to Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby.
What about Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf? At least that's what Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau is wondering.
"You know what, nobody seems to be talking about him this year because everybody seems to be talking about Carey Price in that respect, and Ovi," Boudreau said. "But you look and he's what, [eight] points out of the scoring lead, and our team is doing quite well. He's had an abundance of wingers and the one constant is always Ryan Getzlaf. He's our leader and our captain, and I think he deserves a lot of consideration."
Boudreau's point is well taken.
At times Getzlaf has looked to his right this season only to find former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry looking like he was merely a shell of himself because of the mumps and a knee injury. Perry still has 31 goals in 59 games, which is approximately the same rate he scored last season (43 in 81 games), but Getzlaf still has had to play without his usual linemate for 15 games.
In addition, Getzlaf hasn't had much in the way of continuity on his left side either, with Patrick Maroon maybe the best option the Ducks have used in that spot.
And yet the Ducks are first in the Pacific Division with 99 points and Getzlaf leads them with 66 points, which is tied for the 10th most points in the NHL entering their game Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"Whether he gets it or not this year because he doesn't have the fancy numbers I don't know, but he's a guy for us that kills penalties, is on the power play -- any situation Ryan Getzlaf is out there and our record is fairly good," Boudreau said. "If MVP is about most valuable to your team and your team is doing well I've gotta believe he's up there for consideration."
Getzlaf was a finalist for the Hart Trophy last season.
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