The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL playoffs. Typically that player is someone from the winning side, but incredible efforts have been awarded to a player who played for the losing team as well.
Some of the greatest players to have ever laced up the skates have enjoyed the honor as the most outstanding player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jean Beliveau, Bobby Orr, Guy Lafleur, Patrick Roy and Steve Yzerman will forever be linked in hockey immortality for their efforts when games mattered the most.
The 2013 edition of the NHL’s final four teams boast the last four Stanley Cup champions. Of the four teams, only Boston lacks an active Conn Smythe winner. Tim Thomas, currently of the New York Islanders took the honor in 2011, and is currently inactive.
Jonathan Toews, captain of Chicago won in 2010, Evgeni Malkin of Pittsburgh won in 2009 and last year’s winner Jonathan Quick looks just as determined to bring home the individual hardware as he does defending the Stanley Cup.
Here are the favorites to win the Conn Smythe from each remaining team.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby-The Pens’ captain can score in bunches. He knows what it takes to win the Stanley Cup and will need to put forth another enormous effort to get his name on the cup again. The Conn Smythe is about the only piece of hardware Crosby doesn’t own.
Evgeni Malkin-The big Russian center can be dominant when he is on his game. With Pittsburgh coach splitting up the lines for the Penguins, Malkin might find some freedom to explode with all the attention on Crosby.
Kris Letang-Norris Trophy candidate has been a force at both ends of the ice. His puck moving skills and cool demeanor are a work of art on the lethal Pittsburgh power play.
Boston Bruins
Tuukka Rask-Taking over for Tim Thomas wasn’t going to be easy, but Rask might be the MVP of the Bruins roster this year. He has had moments when his concentration lapsed, but a strong effort could see the Bruins, and Rask, in the winner’s circle.
Zdeno Chara-The big monster defenseman is the annual “hardest shot” king, but his ability to neutralize the best players in the world makes him irreplaceable in the Boston lineup. He could conceivably play every minute of the Eastern Conference Finals. Ok, not really.
David Krejci-The shifty Boston center has exploded and currently leads all scorers in the playoffs. A specialist in the faceoff circle, Krecji’s feathery touch have him on the helping end of 12 Boston goals so far.
Chicago Blackhawks
Corey Crawford-Hands down the MVP of the just completed series with Detroit. Crawford stole a game or two against the Red Wings and has been stellar throughout the playoffs. If Chicago can lift Lord Stanley again, Crawford will be a huge factor.
Patrick Sharp-Usually Patrick Kane gets the love from the press, but Sharp has lead all Chicago scorers with seven goals and 11 points. He has been the most dangerous Chicago sniper this postseason.
Duncan Keith-The former Norris Trophy winner has rebounded nicely from his two-year Stanley Cup hangover. He has a goal and eight helpers in the playoffs and has been a huge presence on the Chicago blueline.
Los Angeles Kings
Jonathan Quick-After a terrible start to the season, no goalie has been better or more clutch than Quick. His microscopic GAA of 1.50 and save percentage of .946 reflect how hard it has been to beat the Kings.
Jeff Carter-The Kings’ leading goal scorer this season is enjoying his first “full” season on the left coast. He has been the most consistent scoring threat for Los Angeles. His quick release, and deadly accuracy will keep Chicago on their toes in the west finals.
Slava Voynov-The unheralded second year defenseman takes a back seat to Drew Doughty in the hype department, but it’s Voynov who has been the best defenseman for the Kings. Four goals, including three clutch game winners are almost as impressive as his plus-7 rating on the Kings’ blueline.