Conn Smythe Watch: Did Drew Doughty dethrone King Lundqvist?

By popular demand, Puck Daddy takes its Conn Smythe Watch from the evening Three Stars to every morning of the postseason. Keep in mind that we factor in the probability of a long playoff run into these choices. Who are the current favorites for playoff MVP? Glad you asked.

1. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Doughty had a turnover that led to a goal and then a goal that led to his inclusion on many a highlight reel, as the Kings star now has 5 goals and 12 points in the playoffs to lead all defensemen. Skating 27:48 per game, he’s now the front-runner for the Conn.

2. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Lundqvist saw his save percentage climb to .928 in the Game 1 defeat, in which he had 40 saves. Alain Vigneault called him the reason it went to overtime.

3. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Kopitar was scoreless in Game 1, but still leads the playoffs with 24 points.

4. Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings

Carter was an offensive force in Game 1, setting up Kyle Clifford’s critical goal with a strong move to the net. He’s one point behind Kopitar for the playoff lead with 23 points, nine of them goals.

5. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Quick stopped 25 shots in the Game 1 victory, including some outstanding chances from the Rangers.

6. Marian Gaborik, Los Angeles Kings

Gaborik was shut out in Game 1 but has 12 goals in 22 games, leading all players.

7. Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings 

Mr. Game 7 scored the game-winner in Game 1, and now has 20 points in 22 games.

8. Carl Hagelin, New York Rangers

His speed was a difference-maker in Game 1, as Hagelin now has seven goals in 21 games.

9. Martin St. Louis, New York Rangers

St. Louis has 13 points in 21 games but has been shut out the last three games.

10. Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

Stepan played well in Game 1, but left with no points and a minus-1.