Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane in power rankings MVP tie

The NHL Season Without a Clear-cut MVP continued this week with a new face.

Actually, make that two.

The latest vote of the 12-member Paste BN Sports NHL power rankings panel had Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane as co-MVP leaders.

Crosby is a familiar face. He won the Hart Trophy last season and was the early leader this season before the mumps started off a slow December that knocked him off his perch.

Kane is new to the top spot, jumping from fifth place in the last vote two weeks ago. He has had 36 points in 29 games since the start of December to move into a tie for the scoring lead.

Six players earned at least one first-place vote.

One reason is the close scoring race. Three players were tied atop the league with 59 points, with another four players within five points.

Two players were tied for the goal-scoring lead, with another four within five goals.

Plus, Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne is having a MVP-worthy season.

The rest of the vote swung the Predators' way. They were the top-ranked team, plus were leading for top goalie (Rinne), defenseman (Shea Weber, passing the Calgary Flames' Mark Giordano) and rookie Filip Forsberg.

PHOTOS: NHL player power rankings