Vegas has Kessel as Conn Smythe co-favourite

Skinny: Kessel now has 39 points in 40 career playoff games, one of the few active players hovering near a point-per-game average.

Skinny: Bounced back for Game 7 win, Penguins might’ve won East in six games if Marc-Andre Fleury didn’t start Game 5.

Skinny: Crosby is Pittsburgh’s most complete player, but has been quiet for long stretches these playoffs. His three game-winning goals in Eastern Conference final will earn votes.

Skinny: Couture quietly leads all playoff scorers with 24 points; his 16 assists match Crosby’s point total for the entire playoffs.

Skinny: It’s hard to imagine now, but there was some debate as to whether Jones or James Reimer would be San Jose’s Game 1 starter in April after a shaky finish to the regular season.

Skinny: San Jose’s ultimate rover is finally getting the respect he deserves as one of the NHL’s best all-around defencemen.

Skinny: Thornton is one off the assist lead for the playoffs, capping off his best regular season since 2010.

Skinny: Malkin has been too inconsistent for too long to earn a vote from me, but he took over Games 6 and 7 for the Penguins in the East final to setup an interesting final round.

Skinny: Letang’s temper has gotten the best of him on some nights, and he’s struggled in his own end others, but he has helped cover for the loss of Trevor Daley on the blueline.

Skinny: The ultimate longshot on the board, Vlasic held Vladimir Tarasenko to two garbage time goals in the West final, and he will now be asked to shut down Crosby.