Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares finalists for Hart Memorial Trophy

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates after scoring during the second period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the New York Islanders, Thursday, May 9, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (The Associated Press)

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, shoots past New York Rangers defenseman John Moore (17) in the third period of Game 4 of their first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in New York, Wednesday, May 8, 2013. The Rangers won 4-3. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (The Associated Press)

Three top NHL players are finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Washington's Alex Ovechkin and John Tavares of the New York Islanders are vying for the award.

Crosby finished fourth in the NHL with 56 points despite missing 12 games because of injuries. Ovechkin had 32 goals in 48 games, and Tavares ranked third in the league with 28 goals.

The Hart Trophy is awarded annually to the player most valuable to his team. Members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association voted at the end of the regular season.

The winner will be announced during the Stanley Cup final.