The New York Islanders were picked by many fans and journalists to finish at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings in 2013 and miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
With very few people outside of Long Island believing in this team's playoff chances, first-line center John Tavares has risen to superstardom this season while carrying this franchise on a remarkable run toward the postseason.
For the first time in years, the Islanders are fighting for a playoff spot, and thanks to Tavares' amazing performances at both ends of the ice, New York has an 86.3 percent chance to reach the postseason (per Sports Club Stats).
As the team's No. 1 center, leading goal scorer, top playmaker and a fantastic leader, Tavares needs to be in the Hart Trophy conversation.
Right in the middle of the Islanders' late-season push toward the playoffs is their 22-year-old superstar. Since the start of March, the Islanders have climbed up the standings with a 13-6-1 record, and in that span, Tavares has 17 points, including 11 goals.
Thus far in the month of April, the Islanders have played four teams nea ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Nicholas Goss
Why John Tavares Belongs in Hart Trophy Conversation
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