So much can change over the course of a week.
In the first edition of the Conn Smythe power rankings, San Jose’s Patrick Marleau topped list, Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper was in the top three, and blooming Avs superstar Nathan MacKinnon ranked in the top five.
A week later, Marleau’s team blew a 3-0 series lead (yes, Sharks fans can blame me for the infamous Simmons curse), Minnesota won in spite of its goaltending, and Mackinnon’s squad lost its series in devastating fashion. Vladimir Tarasenko, Jamie Benn, and Brandon Dunbinsky were among many who had great contributions but didn’t make it out of the first round.
So after the completion of one of the wildest opening rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in recent memory, we updated our rankings. Simply put, it’s hard to argue with anyone listed below.
With Round 2 set to begin on Thursday night, here’s our list of the top 10 Conn Smythe candidates:
(Note: This list will be updated on a weekly basis throughout the playoffs)
1) Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks – Some questioned why Toews was listed over Patrick Kane in the initial rankings but there’s no denying who the more valuable player is. Toews not only led Chicago in scoring during its opening-round win over St. Louis, but he added points in all four of the Blackhawks’ victories, including the critical overtime-winning goal on the road in Game 5.
2) Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings – Kopitar was the driving force that helped Los Angeles overcome a 0-3 deficit against San Jose. The Slovenian sniper is among four players tied for the playoff lead with 10 points (four goals and six assists) and contributed goals in each of the last three Kings victories. Even more impressive: only two of Kopitar’s 10 points came on the power play.
3) Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins – The Detroit Red Wings weren’t able to push the Bruins beyond five games thanks to another stellar playoff performance from goaltender Tuukka Rask. Rask led all playoff goalies in goals-against average (1.16), save percentage (.961) and tied for the league lead in shutouts. Rask will go head-to-head with a tougher offence in Round 2 but he looks ready for the challenge.
4) Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild – Those big contracts are certainly paying off for Minnesota (insert: Dany Heatley joke). Zach Parise was a huge part of the Wild’s first-round win. He averaged more than a point per game in the series against Colorado and is tied for the league lead in playoff points with 10 (three goals, seven assists) in seven games.
5) Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks – Despite a strong push from Dallas, Anaheim was able to hold on to a series victory thanks to another impressive playoff performance from its captain. Getzlaf, who overcame an early-series injury, played more ice time per game than any other Anaheim forward and was tied with linemate Corey Perry for the team lead in points (seven in five games).
6) Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings – San Jose credited Los Angeles for its shutdown defence in the final four games of the series, and a bulk of the credit has to go to top defenceman Drew Doughty. The Canadian Olympian led the Kings in average ice time by more than five minutes per game and contributed just as much on the offensive end with seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games. His offensive production may have been down during the regular season but Doughty was at his best when it mattered the most.
7) Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings — Jonathan Quick had a rough start to the series but it was no coincidence the Kings were able to win four straight games once he rediscovered his game. Quick only allowed three goals, including a shutout in Game 5, in the final three games of the series, giving him a save percentage above .962 during that span. If Quick is in top form, the Kings will make another Cup run.
8) Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens – In our initial rankings, Rene Bourque was the lone Canadien listed, but after taking another week to think it over Price was the best choice for Montreal. Bourque and Brandon Gallagher both had critical performances on the offensive end but Price —despite his relatively average statistics in Round 1— is the key factor for the Habs. If Montreal wants to upset the rival Bruins, it will be on the shoulders of its star goaltender.
9) Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins – The Columbus Blue Jackets gave Pittsburgh a heck of a fight but Evgeni Malkin’s hat trick in Game 6 was the biggest reason the Pens were able to hold them off. Sidney Crosby wasn’t at his best so the team leaned on Malkin, who added seven points (three goals and four assists) against Columbus — five of those coming at even strength. Paul Martin and Matt Niskanen were considered as well.
10) Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks – Like Doughty, Duncan Keith was an absolute force at both ends of the ice in the opening round. The Blackhawks’ top blueliner tied Toews for the team lead in points with seven (two goals and five assists) while posting a plus-five rating and finishing second among all players in average ice time (29:51 minutes per game).
Honourable mention: Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers