2011 NHL Playoffs: Top 10 Conn Smythe Candidates So Far

With the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs in full swing, it’s time to take a look at the early Conn Smythe Trophy contenders. 

The playoffs have not disappointed, and there have been some great performances turned in through the first week of games.  So let’s take a look at the Top 10 playoff MVP candidates.

This list is sure to fluctuate as the playoffs progress, but as of Tuesday morning, the list is as follows:

1.  Mike Fisher—Nashville:

The Predators’ center man has been hot to start the playoffs with three big goals. He’s added a couple of assists, dropped the gloves with Ryan Getzlaf and has his Predators in good shape to finally get past the first round.  Fisher has previously been known more for his wife, but if he keeps this pace up, hockey fans will know him as Conn Smythe.

2.  Pavel Datsyuk—Detroit:

If the Phoenix Coyotes end up leaving the desert after they are eliminated by the Red Wings, Datsyuk can be credited with helping them pack.  The Red Wings' perennial glue man is off to a great playoff start with five points (two goals, three assists), and has been the on-ice leader for the Wings.  They have a commanding 3-0 lead on the Coyotes. 

3.  Carey Price—Montreal:

Price has been a whipping board in Montreal off and on during his stay up north, but this year has been different, as he he's helped the Canadiens frustrate the higher-seeded Boston Bruins.  Price has his ‘Habs up two games to one, and has a 1.34 GAA to go along with an impressive .962 save percentage.

4.  Daniel Sedin—Vancouver:

After being held scoreless in the first game of the playoffs, the media was worried about Sedin’s lack of production.  He showed how ridiculous that worry was by scoring two big goals, including the game-winner, in Game 2.  After three games, he has three goals and two assists.  He is tied for the playoff scoring lead, showing that Game 1 was just a minor blip.

5.  Robert Luongo—Vancouver:

Can’t win in the playoffs—that’s been the knock on the Vancouver net minder for the past couple of seasons.  Luongo had his best regular season as a pro this year. So far, he has followed it up with an equally good start to the playoffs.  His best action was during the first period 5-3 Chicago power play in Game 3.  He stymied the ‘Hawks with a couple of dazzling saves, keeping the Canucks in the game.

6.  Martin St. Louis—Tampa Bay:

The Lightning Mighty Mite should be given some kind of award for coming back from a root canal after Game 1.  The Penguins may have woken up the little giant. Since that Game 1 face smash, he has potted three big goals.  The lesson: Don’t whack good players in the face.

7.  Jonathan Quick—Los Angeles:

Quick struggled in last season’s postseason. But so far this year, he is showing that, perhaps, he learned a thing or two.  Through two games, he has an impressive 1.33 GAA and .962 save percentage, which includes a big shut out of the Sharks in San Jose.  With the Kings’ injuries on offense, they will need Quick to keep up this kind of play if they wish to advance.

8.  Michael Cammalleri—Montreal:

The ‘Habs are proving to be tough playoff opponents after taking the first two games in Boston. A lot of it is due to the play of Mike Cammalleri.  Cammalleri has led the way with four points, and has the Canadiens in good position for their second consecutive first-round upset.

9.  Michael Neurith—Washington:

Coming into the playoffs, many were wondering out loud if the Capitals had enough goal tending to make a run.  So far, their young net minder has been pretty good with a 1.22 GAA and a .951 save percentage.

10.  Ryan Kesler—Vancouver:

It will be hard to win the playoff MVP without scoring, but Kesler has taken on the responsibility of shutting down the Toews/Kane line, and has done it well.  He is proving that there is value in the defensive aspects of the game as well.