The Conference Finals are in full swing as the four remaining teams battle it out for a chance to win the Stanley Cup. As we move closer to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Conn Smythe Award conversation starts to pick up. Awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Champions, there are a number of players making compelling cases to win. Here’s a look at the Conn Smythe favorites from each of the four teams in the conference finals.
Igor Shesterkin is having himself a dominant postseason run. The Rangers’ starting netminder has given them a chance to win in almost every game with his level of play. The most prominent examples of this were shown in games two and three in their second round series. He made 54 and 45 saves, respectively, both of which resulted in Ranger overtime wins. Additionally, Shesterkin has held the opposition to three or fewer goals in 11 out of his 12 postseason starts. His efforts have resulted in a 2.22 GAA and a league-leading .928 save percentage. He accomplished all of this while also facing the second-most shots among goaltenders this postseason. Simply put, Shesterkin has been the biggest factor in the Rangers postseason success. Without his efforts, the Rangers may not be as close as they are to a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Matthew Tkachuk has once again emerged as one of the Panthers strongest playmakers. His team-high 11 assists and 16 points are also tied for fifth in the entire NHL. In addition, he’s netted two game-winning goals as part of his five total markers this postseason. While Tkachuk’s offensive numbers are impressive on their own, they’re not his only value to the team. The Panthers have a reputation for being a physical team, and Tkachuk is a big part of that. He’s been known to be a bit of an agitator who also routinely lays some big hits on his opponents. Tkachuk is a huge part of the Panthers’ identity and thus becomes their favorite as a Conn Smythe winner.
Jake Oettinger is yet another example of a dominant goaltender helping lead his team to postseason success. He didn’t get off to a good start, allowing four or more goals in each of his first two games. But since that start, Oettinger has allowed two goals or less in nine out of 13 games. He’s the reigning postseason GAA leader (2.04) while also facing the most shots in the league. He’s had a number of quality saves, including a recent highlight reel stick save on Connor McDavid. Oettinger has shown up for his team in a big way and has helped them through some tightly knit series.
Any number of Oilers players could win the Conn Smythe, as they represent the top four point scorers in the NHL. However, Leon Draisaitl is on another level of offensive dominance this postseason. He’s second on the team in goals (9) and assists (16), while leading the team with 25 total points. Draisaitl also scored two game-winning goals and ranks first in the NHL in points per game with a 1.79 average. What’s been especially resounding about Draisaitl’s game is his power play production. He has a league-high six power play goals and 12 power play points total. Draisaitl has been the most frequent contributor to the Oilers success in what might become a historic postseason performance.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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