Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Breaking Down Top Candidates for Conn Smythe Trophy

With the Stanley Cup Finals on the horizon, there is no question that several players have separated themselves from the field in terms of being the top performers of the NHL playoffs. The Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils are the only teams remaining, and all of them have at least one player who has been dominant.

The Conn Smythe Trophy is presented to the playoffs' most valuable player at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, and it usually is given to the best player on the winning team. There are probably at least six or seven strong candidates, but a lot of it depends upon which teams are able to make it to the final round.

Here is a breakdown of the top-three candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy at the moment and an analysis of their likelihood of taking home the honor.

1. Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings

As the leader in nearly every goaltending category this postseason, it should come as no surprise that Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick leads the field in the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Quick developed into one of the best netminders in the league during the regular season, and he has kept that going in the playoffs. The American backstop leads all goalies with 11 wins, a 1.46 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage, and is second in shutouts with two.

He is the biggest reason why the Kings were able to easily dispatch of the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues, and he is also the biggest reason why L.A. leads the Phoenix Coyotes, 3-1, and is just one win away from the finals. Quick was huge all season long when his supporting cast wasn't scoring, and although the Kings' scoring has increased in the playoffs, it has still been all about Quick. If the Kings win the Stanley Cup, then Quick is almost guaranteed to win the Conn Smythe.

2. Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers

As dominant as Quick has been, New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist hasn't been far behind him. Lundqvist and Quick figure to be neck-and-neck when it comes to winning the Vezina Trophy awarded to the best goaltender during the regular season, and the same can be said for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Lundqvist is just behind Quick in goals-against average and save percentage at 1.64 and .939, respectively, and he is tied for the shutout lead with three.

Lundqvist hasn't been as dominant as Quick, as he has already endured two seven-game series, but he has been great nonetheless. The Rangers are currently deadlocked, 2-2, with the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals, and Lundqvist's candidacy depends on the Blueshirts' ability to get past the Devils. If the Rangers are able to come out on top, then Lundqvist will be a top contender for the Conn Smythe; otherwise, Devils goalie Martin Brodeur will probably take his spot.

3. Dustin Brown, F, Los Angeles Kings

I could have gone with Brodeur here, as previously mentioned, but an all-goalie list wouldn't have been much fun. Seeing as all four remaining playoff teams have gotten great play out of their respective goaltenders, the odds are quite high that the Conn Smythe goes to one of them, but the top non-goalie in the Conn Smythe race is Los Angeles Kings forward and captain Dustin Brown. The American is second in the playoffs with 15 points and first among all active players. He is also first among active players in goals with seven.

Brown doesn't simply produce on the stat sheet, though, as his mere presence is invaluable to the Kings. He is a fantastic leader and one of the most physical players on the team, as he is willing to hit anything that moves. As great as it is to have skilled scorers, Brown is the type of player who produces when the going gets tough. He has great offensive ability, but he also has size and is willing to get his hands dirty. Aside from Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers, Brown has been the best forward in the playoffs, and that makes him a great Conn Smythe candidate.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.