McDavid, Crosby and Bobrovsky finalists for Hart Trophy

[May 02, 2017]  (Reuters) - Edmonton Oilers sophomore center Connor McDavid, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky were named finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player on Monday.

After missing half his rookie season due to injury, McDavid returned for the 2016-17 campaign and scored 30 goals en route to recording a league-high 100 points as he helped Edmonton to their first playoff berth since 2006.

Crosby, a two-time winner of the Hart Trophy and runner-up to Patrick Kane last year, led the league with 44 goals and was tied for second with 89 points. The Penguins captain had eight multi-goal performances and led all Pittsburgh forwards by averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time a game.

Bobrovsky led the NHL with a 2.06 goals-against average and .931 save percentage to guide the Blue Jackets to their best season in club history.

Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) warms up before playing the Washington Capitals in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Russian netminder, who was also nominated for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender, ranked inside the top five in wins, shutouts, saves and starts.

The winner will be announced on June 21 at the NHL Awards show in Las Vegas.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto)

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