BY: Edward Fraser

There’s a lot that can and will happen over the final few games of the regular season, but the NHL’s clash for most valuable player has become a five-horse race. Here is, with their odds to win and why, the quintet of contenders.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington – 3-2
The two-time reigning champ has the inside track. He’s the leader of the league’s runaway Presidents’ Trophy winner and a good bet to claim both the Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies.

Ovie’s on- and off-ice antics have painted somewhat of a black mark on the superstar, but his transcendent talent casts a shadow large enough to bury those indiscretions deep into the recesses of the voters’ minds.

At the same time, No. 8’s suspensions – along with his injuries – are both a con and a pro; the amount of games he’s missed has kept the scoring and goal races close, but the time off will have him fresh for the final stretch. Plus his points per game is unrivaled.

Ryan Miller, Buffalo – 4-1
The 29-year-old had a bubble of buzz that grew larger as the season progressed and, despite not having anything to do with the NHL itself, peaked with his performance at the Olympics.

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