Rocket Richard Trophy: Leaders in 2019-20 NHL goal-scoring race, previous winners, history

As the NHL's 2019-20 season was winding down, the race for hardware was heating up — including the Rocket Richard Trophy race.

Four players were within five goals of each other at the top of the list, with a bunch more nipping at their heels.

Now there's a strong chance the regular season will not play out as talks have reportedly centered around heading to a 20-24 team postseason resumption.

So where does everything stand if the regular season is officially done? There's been no word as to how things will unfold. But until then, here's everything you need to know on the race to raise the prestigious trophy.

What is the Rocket Richard Trophy?

Awarded to the NHL's top goal scorer by the NHL Board of Governors, the Maurice Richard Trophy, or commonly called the Rocket Richard Trophy, was provided to the NHL by the Montreal Canadiens in honor of the Hall of Famer. 

Over the course of 18 seasons with the Canadiens, Maurice led the NHL in goals five times, was the first to score 50 in 50 games in 1944-45 and the first-ever 500-goal scorer in the league's history. He finished his career with 544 goals in 978 games.

The trophy was first handed out following the 1998-99 season to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim's Teemu Selanne who led the NHL with 47 goals.

Who are the 2020 leading candidates?

Everyone expected Alex Ovechkin to be back in the picture, along with last season's runner-up, Leon Draisaitl, but this race has been led by David Pastrnak for most of the season. The Bruins forward was on pace for 56 goals, followed closely by Ovechkin and the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, who was closing in on his first 50-goal season.

Who has won the most Rocket Richard Trophies?

The Washington Capitals star winger Alex Ovechkin has captured the trophy a record eight times. He could have won it his rookie year but lost out to the Sharks' Jonathan Cheechoo by four goals and was a goal short in 2009-10.

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Who has won the Rocket Richard Trophy?