The second round is almost here in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it’s hard to believe we’re already looking at potential MVP candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Who are my early picks for the Conn Smythe Trophy?
Jonathan Toews - Chicago Blackhawks: Toews has had a strong start to the playoffs compared to last year where he didn’t score until the Final. He already has three goals and led the Blackhawks to a series win against the St. Louis Blues in six games after falling behind 0-2 in the series. They will get the winner of the Colorado Avalanche/Minnesota Wild in the second round of the playoffs. He’s going to have to be great again if Chicago is to advance to the Western Conference Finals. He missed the final three weeks of the regular season with an upper body injury. Since his return he hasn’t missed a beat. Watch out folks, Jonathan Toews is coming.
Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche: Is this kid amazing or what? MacKinnon is only 18 years of age and he’s just been nothing short of awesome these playoffs. He leads the team with 10 points in the playoffs, which is tied with Zach Parise for the league lead. He’s tearing it up and could be the reason why Colorado goes really far in the playoffs. We’ll see if he can lead Colorado to a Game 7 win over Minnesota tomorrow night.
Evgeni Malkin - Pittsburgh Penguins: Beware to the rest of the NHL: Evgeni Malkin is alive. After a long drought without scoring in the playoffs, Malkin netted a hat trick against Columbus in Game 6 helping the Penguins eliminate the Blue Jackets. He was the reason why Pittsburgh won the cup in 2009 with his outstanding play and he’s going to have to be as good or better if Pittsburgh wants to win their fourth Stanley Cup. No matter whom they play in the second round, expect Malkin to be outstanding.
Tuukka Rask - Boston Bruins: Rask has been unbelievable for Boston this year and he’s my pick to win the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s best goaltender as well. In five games against the Detroit Red Wings, he only allowed six goals, which is amazing. Boston relies heavily on defense and goaltending and Rask delivers every night. If Boston wins the cup this year, it’s mostly because of him.
Ryan Getzlaf - Anaheim Ducks: Getzlaf is the best player on Anaheim and has shown his toughness after eating a Tyler Seguin slap shot in the first round. They advanced to the second round Sunday and await the Kings/Sharks series to finish. Can Anaheim win the Stanley Cup and send Teemu Selanne out with a bang for his retirement? It’s going to be up to Getzlaf and I think he has a great shot at leading them to glory.