Quote:
Originally Posted by OptimalTates
So Orr I think had everything working against him that year. His team disappointed. He had good supporting cast (Esposito finishing just behind him in second place in scoring race and had won the Hart the year before). There was probably Orr fatigue (Orr had already won his Art Ross in a much more convincing fashion in 1970), Orr had his own trophy locked up in the Norris (his eighth straight) so it's not like anyone felt they would be snubbing them, and weirdly the introduction of the Leaster B. Pearson award in 1971 had not gone to Orr yet indicating to the media voters that the players themselves didn't see him as the best player (ironically it would go to Orr that year).
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yeah for sure Clarke, Vachon and Parent all had great seasons, but looking back Orr was having a hell of a season- some of this could apply to McDavid too , McDavid fatigue (doesn't seem to be a thing), had Draisaitl on his team, probably underperformed relative to the Flames (how many media members had the Flames ahead of the Oilers coming into this season- honestly etc)
I guess I find all of this a bit interesting. i don't really care about Gaudreau's vote totals to be honest (I think the case for Iginla in 2002 was maybe more compelling despite the fact that the team sucked), but I guess there is evidence that even Mario, Wayne, Orr, don't automatically always get the Hart or get close to the Hart even when leading the league in scoring, so its ok if Mcdavid doesn't either (esp in years where other people have distinguished seasons)