Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is, as expected, a finalist for the Hart Trophy, which is presented to the NHL's most valuable player for the regular season.

The other two finalists are Washington left winger Alexander Ovechkin, an overwhelming favorite to win the award, and Calgary right winger Jarome Iginla, the league said.

Malkin put up 47 goals and 59 assists in 82 games, finishing second to Ovechkin in the NHL scoring race. His 15-game scoring streak from Oct. 23-Nov. 22 is the longest ever in the NHL by a Russian player, and he got 46 points during the 28 games teammate Sidney Crosby missed while recovering from a high ankle sprain.

More details in tomorrow's Post-Gazette.