It’s not easy to pick the Conn Smythe winner after the Stanley Cup is claime each season. Expected stars and unexpected contributors joining together to state their case as the MVP of the NHL postseason.
It’s even harder to pick the MVP before the two-month tournament gets starte.
But that hasn’t stopped NHL. Identifying the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. which is voted on by a select panel of members of the Professional Hockey. Writers Association, from each of the 16 teams in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
When Pastrnak gets hot, there’s no stopping him, and he’s looking pretty good. After missing three weeks, from April 4 to April 23, Pastrnak has six points (two goals, four assists) in three games back, getting him to 40 goals on the season for the second time in his NHL career, with 77 points. Amalie Benjamin, staff writer
The goalie has been the backbone of Calgary’s renewed commitment to defense and a key factor in clinching first in the Pacific Division. With a record of 37-15-9 in 63 starts, a 2.22 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage, an NHL-leading nine shutouts and two or fewer goals allowed in 39 of 63 starts, playoff success will hinge on a continuation of his steady excellence. Tim Campbell, staff writer
With the uncertainty about goalie Frederik Andersen’s injury status — he’s among the NHL leaders in wins (35), goals-against average and save percentage. Aho is the choice. The forward led the Hurricanes in almost every offensive category, including goals (37), assists (44), points (81), power-play goals (13) and game-winning goals (nine). He has 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 34 NHL playoff games. David Satriano, staff writer
Joe Pavelski — The top line has been incredible this season and Pavelski is a big part of that success.
The 37-year-old leads the Stars with 81 points (27 goals, 54 assists) in 82 games this season. Pavelski is one of the best at tipping/redirecting shots on goal, and considering how those type of goals come into play in the postseason, he’ll be a tremendous asset there. Tracey Myers, staff writer
Thirty-one opponents spent 82 regular-season games trying to devise ways to contain or limit. The NHL scoring champion, with infrequent and limited success. A driven McDavid continues to set the bar higher. Having finished off an NHL career-best season of 123 points 0 games for his fourth Art Ross Trophy. The Oilers can go as far as he will take them. Tim Campbell, staff writer
The center was vote the second most complete player in the League behind Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby in a recent NHL Players’ Association poll. The captain of the Panthers does it all at both ends of the ice. Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist
The goalie has heated up in time for the playoffs, going 7-1-2 with a 2.23 goals-against average. save percentage in his past 11 regular-season starts. including .938 save percentage in his past five. Quick won the Conn Smythe in 2012, when he was. 946 save percentage and three shutouts to help the Kings win their first championship. The 36-year-old will need a similar performance this postseason for them to win.
Nathan MacKinnon Not only does the center average more point. The regular season (1.02), he’s third in NHL history among players who have appeared in at least 35 postseason games.