Jun 7, 2016
Is Kessel the Conn Smythe favourite?
With the Pittsburgh Penguins one win away from hoisting the Stanley Cup, TSN.ca takes a closer look at the Conn Smythe race, which appears to be down to three candidates.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the verge of claiming the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2009, when Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
This postseason, Malkin has flown largely under the radar in his return from a shoulder injury. Through 21 games, Malkin has five goals - including the game-winner in Game 4 of the Cup final against the San Jose Sharks – and 17 points, tying captain Sidney Crosby for third on the team.
Off-season acquisition Phil Kessel leads the Penguins in both postseason goals (10) and points (21). Kessel’s also averaged more playing time per game than any forward other than Crosby. He notched two assists in the team’s 3-1 victory on Monday night.
Crosby figures to be Kessel’s biggest competition for the playoff MVP award, at least among skaters. Crosby’s impact has been felt through every round of the playoffs with No. 87 returning to his post as the game’s top player. However, Crosby sits 19th among Penguins skaters in the playoffs with a minus-2 rating. Kessel is plus-6, fifth best on the team.
Kessel, Crosby Playoff Stats
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | TOI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kessel | 22 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 6 | 17:47 |
| Crosby | 22 | 6 | 11 | 17 | -2 | 20:27 |
Despite the offensive statistics of Crosby and Kessel, it’s hard to argue against the contribution rookie goaltender Matt Murray has made in the postseason. Murray started just 13 regular season games before being thrust into the starting role for the playoffs due to a concussion suffered by Marc-Andre Fleury. In addition, Murray missed the Penguins’ first two games of the playoffs due to a concussion of his own. His 14th NHL start came in Game 3 of the team’s first round series against the New York Rangers, which was tied 1-1.
Murray stopped 85 of 89 shots across his first three playoff starts and the Penguins downed the Rangers in five games. His playoff record now sits 14-7 with .925 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average. He ceded the net to Fleury for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final against the Tampa Lightning after struggling in Game 4, but rediscovered his form as the Penguins won Games 6 and 7 to take the series.
Murray’s postseason statistics stand strong on their own, but are magnified when reminded his lack of experience.
Murray - Stats Comparison
| W | L/OTL | GAA | SV% | SO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 9 | 3 | 2.00 | 0.930 | 1 |
| Playoffs | 14 | 7 | 2.09 | 0.925 | 1 |
For Crosby, capturing the trophy would give him lone major award that has evaded him through 11 seasons and fill yet another line on his already overqualified Hall of Fame résumé.
A win for Kessel will represent a dramatic change in fortune after a tumultuous career with Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
As for Murray, winning the Conn Smythe as a rookie would put him in rare company with Ken Dryden, Ron Hextall, Patrick Roy and Cam Ward, as the only other netminders to accomplish the feat. It could also entrench him as the Penguins starter.
The Penguins have a chance clinch the Cup on Thursday on home ice at the Consol Energy Center. Should the series head back to San Jose, members of the Sharks could see their names enter the ring, namely Martin Jones and Joe Pavelski.
In the meantime, it’s Pittsburgh’s title to lose.
Conn Smythe Race
