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Host, TSN The Reporters with Dave Hodge

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I would normally say 'thumbs down' to the suggestion that a goalie should win the Hart Trophy.

Here's my problem with goalies as MVPs -- of course, they are! One of the top goalies in the league on one of the top teams in the league is unquestionably valuable -- he's on the ice for the whole game and he has to make saves if his team is to win, and if you think a goalie should win the Hart one year, you should probably pick a goalie every year.

I will accept a goalie as the proper MVP choice only if there isn't a better one who plays forward or defence. I thought that was the case both times the Hart went to Dominik Hasek.

So, do I hear you say that's the case this season? You got me. Thumbs up to Carey Price.

I can't name a player who has been more valuable to his team this season. I came to this conclusion, which is still subject to change, mind you, as I watched Price extend his shutout streak in Montreal's 1-0 overtime win against Washington Saturday. Price was at his very best, frustrating the Capitals at every turn, making them pass instead of shoot, and vice versa, because their normal instincts were always wrong, or Price made it seem that way.

In fact, Washington might have scored four or five times against anyone else yesterday, but they weren't going to beat Price once. If I stick with him for the Hart at the end of the season, I'll remember Saturday.

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Never mind those tanking advocates in Buffalo or anywhere else, my thumb is up to a game the Buffalo Sabres should definitely try to win.

Start the buildup now for their home game against the Dallas Stars on Feb. 7. The Sabres have lost 14 straight games, and unless they beat Montreal or St. Louis in their next two starts, the streak will be at 16, or one short of the record of 17 established in 1975 by the Washington Capitals and equalled by San Jose in 1993.

A loss to Dallas and their former coach Lindy Ruff would saddle the Sabres with another piece of that unwanted mark and would leave them one more loss from sole ownership of it.

A potential 18th straight defeat would involve the New York Islanders. Stopping short of that wouldn't affect the current McEichel landscape.

Buffalo can win a game, still be 30th, and avoid embarrassment that awaits in the record book. For all the "win lose" or "lose win" scenarios that might accompany the Sabres this season, the Sabres can only win by winning…once more - and soon.