The following are the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffsReaching the second round means it’s time for you to check on the race for Conn Smythe Trophy, the playoff MVP.
Remember that the Conn Smythe is calculated based on the player’s performance throughout the postseason and not just the championship round.
Here’s a view of the field before Round 2.
The favorites
McDavid’s impact on an Oilers team was unmatched by any other player in the first round.
Recall that Edmonton was behind the others. Los Angeles Kings 3-2 heading into Game 6. The next thing was that McDavid was present for all six goals scored by the Oilers in their two consecutive wins to take the series. McDavid also recorded three assists and two goals. McDavid was present for 19 of the 27 Oilers goals. Except for Game 4, McDavid had points in each game. Jonathan QuickThe goal was not scored.
McDavid’s 14 points are third-most by an Art Ross Trophy winner in an opening Stanley Cup playoff round. Mario Lemieux(17 against the Washington CapitalsWayne Gretzky (15 against Kings in 1987). It’s an excellent company to be in, and he’s only just getting started.
This grouping will include these two Avalanche players, but only one of them is eligible to lift the MVP trophy in Colorado’s win. As the second round begins, many sportsbooks consider them to be co-favorites.
MacKinnon scored five goals in just four games against the Juuse Saros-less Nashville Predators. Makar made some history in Round 1. Makar’s 10 points in Round 1 were the most scored defenseman in NHL history for the first four games. Makar already received a nomination for the Norris Trophy from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. This association helps to select Conn Smythe’s winner. One would assume that he’d be the one to beat in a 50-50 game with MacKinnon.
It is difficult to get the spotlight. Jake Oettinger272 out of 285 shots across ice are stopped Dallas Stars. Markstrom was a great Flames player, with a.943 save percent and helping Calgary to 1.53 goals against the average. He won Game 1 by a score of 1-0 and held the Stars to one goal in his two subsequent wins. Although goalies have won the Conn Smythe 17 time, Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei VasilevskiyIn 2021, the first winner in nine of the postseasons was achieved.
This is one of the most memorable postseason stories. Verhaeghe scored six goals and assisted six others in the Panthers’ win over the Capitals in their first round. McDavid’s 12 points were his closest competitor.
He wasn’t only good at scoring, but he also knew when to score them. Four of his six goals were either tied or gave the Panthers an advantage. There were even two overtime games winners. One of those goals won Game 6.
The cusp
Barkov was a player that many believed could be the Panthers’ MVP, given his point per game offense and defensive reputation. He earned a Selke Trophy nomination.
Giroux was the one to watch. He had seven points in his first round. Five of those came in the two final wins. He also has the narrative piece. A blockbuster trade deadline acquisition would allow him to win the first Cup of career.
It’s amazing to think that Rangers are in round two and have a goaltender. Igor ShesterkinThis isn’t one of the Conn Smythe favorite songs, but it is a good start.
Zibanejad was New York’s top scorer and would probably be the MVP favourite. With 11 points, he had a massive goal to tie Pittsburgh’s game 7 score. Zibanejad also had an assist. Artemi PanarinThe overtime series winner. Fox falls in a category that has had its share of Conn-Smythe winners. He is a point-producing defenceman (10 points in round 1) who logs a lot of average icetime — 28:25 through seven games on average, though that was slightly inflated by Game 1’s Triple Overtime.
Markstrom may have the MVP corner for Flames after the first round but Johnny Hockey was a late addition to his case. He played Game 7. He also assisted in the game. Matthew TkachukHe scored the game-tying goal, and then he won the overtime game to win the game for the Stars. He had eight points in seven games. What is the average salary for a playoff MVP trophy?
Hedman already owns one, having been named playoff MVP during the Lightning’s first Stanley Cup run. He scored seven points against the Leafs and averaged a team-best 25:42 per match. He’ll be the primary reason why the Lightning win another Cup. Hedman was named as a finalist in the Norris Trophy for the sixth consecutive season.
Kucherov is the playoffs’ best power play player through eight games. Kucherov is a MVP-eligible player, so could it be that voters want to recognize him? It would be worth the press conference after the series.
After taking a stick to the eye, the Avalanche goalie for the Avalanche missed their game against the Predators. His save percentage was.934, which allowed the Avalanche to achieve a 1.63 goals against average. He would have to present a strong case to beat Makar and MacKinnon.
O’Reilly was another repeat customer. He won the Conn Smythe award in the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup title. O’Reilly led the Blues in points with 23 and 26 games, while also playing outstanding defense. He was just one point behind David PerronAfter the first round. If the Blues win, O’Reilly will be the winner of the matchup against. Nathan MacKinnon. This will be Conn Smythe’s calling card.
There are a few Hurricanes skaters who have Conn Smythe cases. These cases come from defensemen. Jaccob Slavin(8 points) Tony DeAngelo(8 points) Game 7 hero Max Domi (five points).
Raanta’s numbers are impressive — a.927 save rate and 2.37 goals against average in six games — and the Canes’ crease is as it is. Frederik AndersenDespite an injury, you can still work.
Based on what we saw in round one, it would have been a surprise if McDavid won MVP. We can’t forget Mike Smith.
After the first round, Edmonton’s goalie ranked second in save percentage (.938). He recorded two shutouts, including Game 7 against the Kings. He was at the top of all goalies, with 10.4 goals saved more than expected. per Money Puck.
Does Connor have a situation in which he can succeed? Evander Kane Leon DraisaitlAll get support at forward and Smith sneaks in as “backbone” for a Cup run?
Rebound
Hurricanes star, who scored five points in seven games in round one, had the unfortunate experience of being forced to create offense against Patrice Bergeron. His line is the Hurricanes’ best offensive unit and should be used against New York at 5-on-5.
The Panthers’ star scored 115 points during the regular season. However, he only scored three points in six of the opening round games. It’s clear why. He had 38 power play points in the regular-season and the Panthers failed 18 man-advantage chances against the Capitals. Huberdeau can also get going if that unit is successful.
Shesterkin, who is likely to win the Vezina Trophy, cannot be placed in the top tier of Conn Smythe watches at the moment. He surrendered three goals or more in each game, except for his Game 2 win. He was ejected twice. His performance in Game 7 was outstanding and may have given him a boost of confidence going into the second round.
Six games of uncharacteristic Conn Smythe winning play later, the Big Cat closed the door. Toronto Maple LeafsHe continued his strong play in Game 7 against Florida and in Game 1. He has played a lot in hockey the last two years but isn’t done yet, especially in elimination games.
It’s gone but not forgotten
Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild
Brad Marchand, LW, Boston Bruins
Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars
We are grateful for your fond memories, members of the one-and done club. We’ll always have that first round!