Conn Smythe Watch: Corey Perry feeling ducky; Blackhawks’ terrific trio
Welcome to the latest edition of our Conn Smythe Watch, which chronicles the ever-changing race for playoff MVP. 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. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Perry has 13 points in six games for the Ducks, which is a rather robust points-per-game pace. That includes four power-play points. He’s also a plus-6. He’s also undefeated. Life’s been pretty … ducky (groan).
2. Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning forward leads the playoffs with seven goal and is second with 10 points. That includes an OT game-winner. Hopefully now that Stamkos scored, some of the pressure’s off the Triplets to carry the offense.
3. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
Two goals and eight assists to lead all playoff defensemen, and he’s averaging 30:54 TOI. Has that triple-OT game-winner on his record, too.
4. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
King Henrik won the Rangers Game 2 with a stellar effort, and has a 1.67 GAA and a .938 save percentage for the postseason, to go along with that flawless beard.
5. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Their best player thus far against the Rangers, he’s scored in both games and has eight points in nine games.
6. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
He’s got 10 points in six games playing 20:49 TOI on average, winning 52-percent of his faceoffs.
7. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
The reason the Habs are in the second round, he needs to come up big in Games 3 and 4 down in Tampa. Has a .947 save percentage at even strength, and a .922 overall.
8. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have their share of MVPs, and including former Conn Smythe winners Kane and Toews. The latter has nine points in eight games with a plus-3.
9. Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
Had a goal and an assist in Game 1 vs. Chicago and nine points in eight games overall. Can he lift Minnesota back on home ice?
10. Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks
He’s going to have to hop over a couple of teammates for the Conn lead, but Andersen is 6-0-0 with a 1.64 GAA and a stellar .942 save percentage.
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