Conn Smythe Watch: Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Toews among leaders

Welcome to the first edition of our Conn Smythe Watch, which chronicles the ever-changing race for playoff MVP. 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. Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

How do you win a seven-game series without a goal from Steven Stamkos? You get six goals from Tyler Johnson, including an overtime game-winner, to lead the playoffs.

2. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Anyone who watched the end of Game 6 knows Carey Price is the MVP of the Canadiens in the regular season and the postseason. He has a 1.94 GAA and a .939 save percentage.

3. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Captain Serious has taken heat for his playoff scoring in the past, but he’s currently the points leader after the first round with three goals and five assists.

4. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

Perry had seven points in four games against the overmatched Winnipeg Jets and did some very Corey Perry things and provoked others to do Corey Perry things to him (looking at you, Byfuglien).

5. Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild

Parise had seven points in six games against the Blues, with 3 goals and four assists. He also had a shorthanded goal. Three goals, 11 shots – that’s a spiffy 27.3 shooting percentage.

6. Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals

The Capitals center leads the team with 3 goals and 3 assists for six points, playing 21:11 per game. But watch out for Game 7 hero Evgeny Kuznetsov, who also has three goals.

7. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Lundqvist wasn’t tested all that much by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he did have to win four one-goal games. (It’s like the Torts Era all over again!) He has a 1.53 GAA to lead the playoffs and a .939 save percentage.

8. Jonas Hiller, Calgary Flames

Hiller backstopped the Flames to the second round with a .931 save percentage and a 2.20 GAA. With the top line all worthy of praise, Hiller’s the pick here; and if he eliminates the Ducks, watch out.

9. Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning

Bishop pitched a Game 7 shutout against Detroit, which is a nice MVP résumé builder. So is a 1.87 GAA and a .922 save percentage.

10. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago defenseman has seven points in six games, including that triple-OT game-winner. Averaging 32:03 TOI per game, currently.

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