Conn Smythe Watch: Lundqvist the (current) King of the MVP race
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. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Lundqvist stopped 102 of 105 shots in the Rangers’ three-win rally. He has a .931 save percentage for the postseason.
2. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Toews has 10 points in 12 games and leads the playoffs with four game-winning goals. But he’s got some competition for Blackhawks’ MVP.
3. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
With an assist in Game 5, Getzlaf now has 14 points in 10 playoff games, tied for second in the postseason.
4. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Kopitar leads the playoffs with 16 points in 12 games but faces elimination in Game 6.
5. P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens
Subban leads the Habs and all NHL defenseman in scoring for the postseason with four goals and eight assists, skating 26:48 per game on average.
6. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
Rask has a .951 save percentage and a 1.90 GAA, tops in the playoffs in both categories.
7. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
The former Conn Smythe winner now has three game-winning goals and two overtime goals, tallying six total.
8. Marian Gaborik, Los Angeles Kings
Gaborik leads all playoff scorers with eight goals.
9. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Price was brilliant in pitching a shutout in Game 6 and has a .922 save percentage for the playoffs.
10. Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
Crawford gave up one goal in Game 5 and another in Game 6 in leading the Blackhawks to a series win over the Wild.