- The Washington Times - Thursday, April 30, 2015

Alex Ovechkin set a significant number of franchise records this season and captured his fifth career Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Another honor could be on its way.

The NHL announced on Wednesday afternoon that the Washington Capitals left wing was one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy, given annually to the player considered to be “the most valuable to his team.”

Also named to that three-man list were Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price and New York Islanders center John Tavares. The award will be handed out at the NHL’s annual postseason honors ceremony in Las Vegas on June 24.

Ovechkin scored 53 goals during the regular season, making him only the sixth player in history to score 50 or more goals six times in his career, and he also led the league with 25 power-play goals and 11 game-winning goals. His 50th goal of the season also moved him past Peter Bondra and into first place in the franchise’s all-time goals-scored list.

Should Ovechkin win the award, it would mark the fourth time he’s won the award, having claimed it following the 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2012-13 seasons. He was the runner-up for the trophy after the 2009-10 season.

Price, who won 44 games, had a league-best 1.96 goals-against average and .933 save percentage, making him the first goaltender to be considered a finalist for the award since 2011-12, when the New York Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist finished third. The William M. Jennings Trophy winner for the fewest goals allowed, Price was the first goaltender since Ed Belfour in 1990-91 to lead the league in wins, GAA and save percentage.

Tavares, who had 38 goals and 48 assists, finished second in the Art Ross Trophy race in helping the Islanders to their best regular-season record since 1983-84. He had at least one point in 54 of his 82 games and scored four overtime goals. It’s the second time Tavares has been a finalist for the award, having finished third in balloting following the 1982-83 season.

Voting is conducted among selected members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association prior to the beginning of the playoffs.

• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.

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