Conn Smythe Watch: Blackhawks make their move and a Quick drop

By popular demand, Puck Daddy takes its Conn Smythe Watch from the evening Three Stars to every morning of the postseason. Keep in mind that we factor in the probability of a long playoff run into these choices. Who are the current favorites for playoff MVP? Glad you asked.

1. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Kopitar leads the playoffs with 23 points in 19 games with an assist in Game 5. But he’s in danger of being eclipsed by his teammates on the list.  

2. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Pulled in Game 5, Lundqvist will attempt to win his first non-Game 7 elimination game in six tries in Game 6.

3. Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings

Carter has 21 points in 19 games, right behind Kopitar for the NHL lead.

4. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Doughty didn’t have a point in Game 5 but made several stellar defensive plays in skating a game-high 39:04.

5. Martin St. Louis, New York Rangers

St. Louis has 13 points in 19 games but was shut out in Game 5.

6. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Toews had an assist in Game 5 but was a minus-1 and was under 50 percent on faceoffs again.

7. Marian Gaborik, Los Angeles Kings

Gaborik’s Game 5 goal gave him 11 goals in 19 games, to lead the postseason.

8. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Quick’s stats took another hit in Game 5, as his save percentage dipped to .909. But he’s still arguably the driving force behind the Kings’ best victories.

9. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens

Subban has 14 points in 16 games, and his blast from the point led to the Canadiens’ first goal in Game 5.

10. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

With four assists in Game 5, Kane reenters the MVP race with 15 points in 17 games.