Ryan said I cannot nominate the refs….so here is what Ryan has as actual candidates….and away we go……
Detroit Red Wings
Favorite: Johan Franzen
Dark horses: Nicklas Lidstrom and Daniel Cleary
– ‘The Mule’ has been the most consistent force in the Western Conference thus far. He has 9 goals and 9 assists in 13 games this spring; he’s also a +11. If Franzen keeps up his pace and the Wings win it all, he’s currently the favorite to claim the Conn Smythe. Dark horses out of Detroit would be Nick Lidstrom (12 pts, +9) and Dan Cleary (12 pts, +14).
Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite: None
Dark horse: Martin Havlat
– IMO Havlat has been the best player for Chicago in the playoffs. But I don’t they would have a favorite to win the Conn Smythe at this point… one will have to emerge. Toews, Kane, and Khabibulin all need to elevate their game and get into this discussion for the ‘Hawks to get past Detroit. Until then, no ‘Hawk is a legit candidate to win this award.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite: Sidney Crosby
Dark horses: Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury
– The Pens’ MVP through 2 rounds has been Crosby, no doubt. Sid has 12 goals and 10 assists with a +6 rating in 14 games. Even though he officially has just 1 GWG, he’s certainly scored some big goals along the way. A couple other candidates out of Pittsburgh would be fellow stars Malkin (21 pts) and Fleury (9 wins). It’s a good sign for the Pens that their stars are playing well this spring.
Carolina Hurricanes
Favorite: Cam Ward
Dark horses: Eric Staal and Jussi Jokinen
– I’d say Ward would be the Canes’ candidate to take the Conn Smythe over Staal. Staal has been awesome in the playoffs, but has been slowed down at times. Ward has been clutch in both Game 7 wins, and has had 4 games where he’s allowed 1 goal or less. Besides Ward and Staal, Jussi Jokinen (Aka- “The Finnisher”) has been dynamite in the clutch, including 4 HUGE goals in this magical run for Carolina.
