Conn Smythe Watch: Duncan Keith is still skating somewhere right now

Welcome to the first edition of our Conn Smythe Watch. This one is a just a glimpse at the current picture. Keep in mind that we factor in the probability of a long playoff run into these choices. Last list's ranking is next to each name. Who are the current favorites for playoff MVP? Glad you asked. 

1. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Three points in Game 6 in 28:35 of ice time, pushing him to 16 points in 16 games as the playoffs’ top scoring D-man. Just playing on another level right now, and could be the third different Hawk to win playoff MVP since 2010. His 31:49 TOI leads the playoffs, and the narrative of "Duncan Keith carries thin Chicago defense" is well established.

2. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (5)

Lundqvist was great when he needed to be in Game 6 and has a 2.11 GAA with a .928 save percentage. We all know what he can do in Game 7.

3. Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning (1)

Johnson still leads the postseason in goals with 12 and points in 20. Coming up big in Game 7 would cement his MVP credentials.

4. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks (2)

He professed to being “terrible” in Game 6, but has 19 points in 15 games and has been a physical force.

5. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks (3)

Kane had a goal and an assist in Game 6, pushing his playoff totals to 10 goals and 7 helpers. He’s credited with three game-winners in 16 games.

6. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks (4)

Perry was scoreless and a minus-3 in Game 6 but has nine goals and eight assists, including an overtime game winner.

7. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning (NR)

Johnson’s linemate has 19 points in 19 games, with an impressive two overtime game winners. His nine goals did include two scored in the third period of the Rangers’ Game 6 blowout. Speaking of which …

8. Derick Brassard, New York Rangers (NR)

It’s hard to imagine the Rangers winning and anyone other than Lundqvist getting MVP, but Brassard has 16 points in 18 games, including that sick 5-point performance in Game 6.

9. Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks (9)

Anderson has a 2.18 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 15 games. He’s 7-1 at home in this postseason for Anaheim; say, where’s Game 7 being played again?

10. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks (NR)

The captain’s valiant performance in the Game 5 loss gave him 16 points in 16 games. His stock rises with a strong Game 7 and finally vanquishing his mortal enemy Ryan Kesler.

In the hunt: Ben Bishop, Ryan Kesler, Steven Stamkos.

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