Conn Smythe Front Runners 2017

[CroFlames]

This is an older article that still includes some of the 2nd round teams and the reasons for specific players to be Conn Smythe Candidates.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...-smythe-trophy


This thread we can discuss who should be the front runner for each of the remaining four teams at this point in the playoffs.

1. Pens - MAF .927%, 2.55GAA. The guy has been awesome when he needed to be and really kept them in game 7 when the Caps were pouring it on. A very close 2nd is Malkin. He looks dangerous whenever he's on the ice.

2. Sens - Karlsson 13 pts/ 12 gp. Granted, I have watched many Sens games this playoff but just look at that stat line. Better than a point per game while playing the toughest defensive assignments.

3. Ducks - Getzlaf 15 pts/ 11gp. A close one between him and Silfverberg for me but Getzlaf is playing like a man on a mission. When he plays well, the Ducks play well. If they win the Cup, it'll be on the back of Getzlaf I think.

4. Preds - Rinne .951%, 1.37GAA. Another one where I haven't watched too many games this playoff, but based on what I've been reading and seeing, he's playing lights out.

[RougeUnderoos]

I am ashamed to admit this, but in my darker moments over the last few days, I thought Rinne might be the only thing between the Oilers and the Finals.

If Getzlaf plays like he can, which he doesn't always do, he could win it running away. You could say that about any of them, come to think of it. Fleury was amazing last night, but then he might not be next time, and for goalies if they have an off night it's a little more obvious.

[TurdFerguson]

dark horse in Guentzel? leading goal scorer, top 5 points. 3 GWG (leader).

I wouldn't call him dominant though - as you could say with Karrlsson, Getz, Malkin ect.

[Enoch Root]

Those would be the leading candidates from each team so far, no doubt. And it wouldn't be at all surprising to see Karlsson, Getzlaf and Rinne remain the candidate for their respective teams. But if the Pens keep winning, it isn't hard to imagine that Crosby takes over as the leading candidate.

Plenty of hockey left though.

[HappyGilmore]

McDavid is the obvious choice. League would be crooks otherwise

[MarkGio]

Karlsson, no question. But it the Sens lose to Penguins, than I go with Rinne

[OutOfTheCube]

Agree with all except MAF. He's been above average. Malkin has 18 points in 12 games, that's exceptional.

[McG]

Originally Posted by HappyGilmore

McDavid is the obvious choice. League would be crooks otherwise

exactly. Collie McDoggie is so obviously the front runner.

I look forward to Ron "oiler intern" MacLean talking about him for the rest of the playoffs.

I do think that if Collie can't pull it off, Rinne has really shone in the West.

[Northendzone]

I'd give my vote to karlsson - the ice time he logs, with a short amount of rest is unbelievable for a pro-hockey player.

he'll be a lock if he cuts his hair, as it is way too long for my tastes. I am assuming (like most swedes) he is likely listening to lots of death metal music like cradle of filt. it is the only reason why he would have such long hair.

[Azhouse]

Originally Posted by HappyGilmore

McDavid is the obvious choice. League would be crooks otherwise

Came here just to say this.

[Itse]

IMO the Penguins have too many strong players for anyone of them to stand out as the singular MVP. But if you go Penguins, I'd pick Malkin.

For me it's Rinne or Getzlaf, although I haven't watched Ottawa enough to really comment on Karlsson.

I'm rooting for Rinne. Even though there's more to Predators than him, .951 and a GAA 1.37 are insane numbers. Better than Quick when he won in 2011-12, with more shots against on average per game.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I'd give my vote to karlsson - the ice time he logs, with a short amount of rest is unbelievable for a pro-hockey player.

he'll be a lock if he cuts his hair, as it is way too long for my tastes. I am assuming (like most swedes) he is likely listening to lots of death metal music like cradle of filt. it is the only reason why he would have such long hair.

Naw, his earphones probably have swedes like 'In Flames', not some brits.

[Five-hole]

This will be the year that the league awards the Conn Smythe to a player eliminated in the 2nd round. To be followed next year by it being awarded to the same player, on a team that missed the playoffs. McDavid is just that dynamic.