The goal-scoring race is at its peak. Sidney Crosby’s 49 goals has him in a slim one goal lead over two-time defending award winner Alex Ovechkin and Tampa’s young phenom Steven Stamkos. All three have two games left to play. Stamkos has scored almost a quarter of Tampa Bay’s goals and that lack of scoring help has lead Tampa to finish outside of the playoffs. Meanwhile, a spread out attack from the other two clubs has each preparing for the postseason, but it’s been these three individuals who have stolen the spotlight this season.

Since the award was first handed out after the 1998-99 season, there have been 11 winners. Teemu Selanne (47) was the first, followed by consecutive wins by Pavel Bure (58 and 59) during his stint in Florida. Jarome Iginla (52) in 2002 and Milan Hejduk (50) in 2003 were followed by a slow year in scoring, leading to a three-way tie between Iginla, Ilya Kovalchuk and Rick Nash, who each potted 41 goals. Jonathan Chechoo’s 56 goals after the lockout year lead into Vincent Lecavalier’s 52 in 2006-07. For the last two seasons, Alex the Great has reigned supreme with totals of 65 and 56.

Stamkos’ final two games are a home and home against Florida. Ovechkin will greet Atlanta then Boston, while Crosby will travel to Atlanta before heading north to take on the Islanders. Stamkos’ potential pair against Tomas Vokoun while Ovi’s game against Tuuka Rask gives the edge to Crosby. However, these guys have all proven that they can and do score against anyone and everyone, so these final games will certainly be fun to watch. Let’s hope it doesn’t end in a tie.

Who can really say why the goal scoring has slowed down this year, but it’s created a heated race between the game’s top two faces, as well as the welcome dark horse candidate in Stamkos. Crosby leads the trio by a single goal, so the season’s final two games, but two games is a lot for any of these guys. Don’t expect all three of these guys to stay frozen where they are. We’ll have a 50 goal scorer this season, but who it will be is still up for grabs.