Conn Smythe Watch: Rask leads pack; Kuemper saving Wild
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. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
Rask has an 0.96 GAA and a .966 save percentage through four games. He’s still the guy back-stopping the B’s to within a win of the division finals.
2. Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau now has seven points in four games, including three goals and a game-winner. But Joe Pavelski (2 goals, 4 assists) is right on his tail for the Sharks’ lead.
3. Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues
Tarasenko’s four goals lead the postseason, and conversely the Blues. What can he do in Game 5 to continue his MVP run?
4. Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnson has three goals and two assists and is helping to shut down Sidney Crosby. His 29:36 TOI is fourth in the playoffs.
5. Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche
Win or lose, he’s been the best player for the Avalanche in the first round with a .937 save percentage, facing 134 shots.
6. Marty St. Louis, New York Rangers
Two goals, three assists and rounding into the Rangers’ best postseason forward thus far.
7. Brendan Gallagher, Montreal Canadiens
A lot of people said this should have been Rene Bourque or Carey Price here, and it may very well be in the next round. For now, Gallagher has the most potential as an MVP candidate.
8. Darcy Kuemper, Minnesota Wild
The defense in front of him has been stellar, but Kuemper has a ridiculous 0.40 GAA and a .979 save percentage. Watch out for this one.
9. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Kane’s three goals lead the Blackhawks and his game-winner in Game 4 puts him in the MVP conversation.
10. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
Benn has played well throughout the series; now that the Stars are even with the Ducks, can this 4-points-in-4-games player continue his run?
