Faceoff Factor

Conn Smythe Contenders Post Game 1

Adam Jennings | National Hockey League

May 26, 12:59 PM | Hype this story!

Game 1- Hot Wings make Osgood shine
After a close two periods, the Detroit Red Wings clamped down and finished off the Pittsburgh Penguins, for a 4-0 opening game win.

However, this wasn’t the game many people envisioned, as the stars weren’t factors for much of the game. Only one player dramatically improved their chances for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The top 10 contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy
(This will be updated the day after each game)

The following list takes into account criteria listed in Conn Smythe Contenders and Pretenders, but is far from exclusively based on it.

1. Chris Osgood, G, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 4)
Game 1- In a game where there were little lasting impressions made by individual players, Osgood shined because of a complete game by the Red Wings D. Osgood faced about half as many shots as Fleury on his way to a 19 save shutout, and sees himself as the number one contender for the Conn Smythe going into game 2.

2. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 1)
Game 1- Fleury played a solid game in net stopping 32 of 36 shots. However, as a whole the Penguins let him down by generating no offense and essentially, leaving him on a island to fend for himself. No one thought that the Pens would take both games in Detroit, so one bad loss doesn’t knock the Flower down too much.

3. Henrik Zetterberg, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 2)
Game 1- Henrik was one of the few stars that were consistently solid for all of game 1. Zetterberg had 22 minutes of ice-time and put eight shots on goal, converting one into a meaningless power play goal late in the third.

4. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 5)
Game 1- The Kid overtakes Malkin, because he was at least visible for his 18 minutes of ice-time. A -1 P/M rating and three shots on goal, hardly represent Crosby’s skill, but that’s why they play a series and not one game to generate a Cup winner

5. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 3)
Game 1- Well, it’s early, but I’m looking like an idiot for picking Geno to win the Conn Smythe. Malkin was a non-factor for this game only getting one shot on net and struggling to find open teammates. Hopefully, the translators are conveying all of the criticisms to Malkin and he’ll find a little extra fire for game 2.

6. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 6)
Game 1- Datsyuk was effective for most of the time he was on the ice. It certainly wasn’t a special game for Datsyuk, but defensively he helped shut down the Crosby/Hossa/Dupuis line. Don’t be surprised to see Datsyuk bury a shot or two in game 2.

7. Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 9)
Game 1- One of the main reasons Osgood managed to shutout the Pens in game 1. Although, he tried to get the Penguins on the board by taking a couple of minor penalties, the Wings PK stepped up in his absence. When Lidstrom was on the ice, the puck was rarely in the Wings defensive zone. Lidstrom managed to record an assist on the last Wings goal.

8. Marian Hossa, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 7)
Game 1- Hossa was one of the few Pens to play a complete game and was almost rewarded with a goal. Instead it found the Osgood’s best friend, the post. Hossa was second (for forwards) on the Pens for on-ice time in game 1. If the Pens win game 2, it will be because of Hossa scoring a couple of goals.

9. Johan Franzen, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 8)
Game 1- Franzen looks to return to the ice in game 2, and we will finally find out if he can continue his ridiculous goal scoring rate. If he finds the back of the net, look for Franzen to move up a couple spots.

10. Mikael Samuelsson, RW, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: NR)
Game 1- If I were to tell you that Samuelsson would be the player most responsible for the outcome of game 1, you’d call me insane, and I’d lose whatever credibility I might have. Samuelsson’s two unassisted goals were the biggest storyline of game 1.

Others to consider

Nicklas Kronwall, D, Detroit Red Wings
Game 1- The casual fan must be loving Kronwall’s vicious open ice hits. However, my first thought was, “The Penguins might be able to exploit this guy, if he keeps coming out so far for the highlight hit.”

Sergei Gonchar, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1- Gonchar was another bright spot for the Pens, leading all players in ice-time (27:51). Look for him to be more involved offensively in game 2.

Jordan Staal, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1- Staal got a lot of time on the PK and continues to look like a future Selke winner. It seems that the Pens want to get a little more transitional offense going in game 2, by putting Dupuis and Kennedy with Staal.

Ryan Malone, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1- Malone was invisible for much of game 1. Look for him to bounce back in game 2, now that he’s on a line with Hossa and Crosby.