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NHL Awards: How Diana C. Nearhos voted

Nikita Kucherov earned the Hart Trophy. That vote was one of the easiest things I did this season.

As a member of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, I vote for six awards as well as the all-star and all-rookie teams. Those winners, as well the other honors, will be revealed at tonight’s NHL Awards show (NBCSN, 8 p.m.).

Earlier in the season, I was less certain where I’d go with my Hart vote. Kucherov was good for sure, but was he MVP?

[ RELATED: Nikita Kucherov is the Lightning's best chance at NHL Awards ]

There is a difference between the most valuable player and the most outstanding player.