TORONTO - The NHL insists it hasn't spilled the beans on this year's Hart Trophy winner.
The league's official online store briefly featured a blue Alexander Ovechkin T-shirt with the phrase "2007-08 Hart Trophy winner" displayed along the bottom, according to a Canadian media report Friday. The website removed the item later in the day, and a league spokesman said the gaffe shouldn't be interpreted as a Hart victory for the Washington Capitals superstar.
"In an effort to offer our fans the merchandise they want in a timely manner following an event such as the NHL Awards, our licensees prepare product for all possible outcomes," Frank Brown said in a statement. "In this situation, the link for one of the possible products became live early through an error by our e-commerce provider. We regret the error and have since taken steps to amend."
Ovechkin, who led the NHL with 65 goals and 112 points, is one of three candidates for NHL most valuable player, joining Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin and Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla. The winner will be announced at the league's awards ceremony June 12 in Toronto.
Ryan Callahan scored three goals as the New York Rangers beat Philadelphia 5-2 on Saturday for their seventh straight win over the Flyers.
ProHockeyTalk headlines |
Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
Gretzky says Cup race is wide open In the latest NHL Network news update, Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky talks about the division races and how 22 teams have a shot to win it all this year. |
Slideshow |
NHL All-Stars Take a look at the players who competed in Team Chara's 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson. more photos |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Slideshow |
Slideshow |
more photos |
Special feature |
NBCSports.com |