Faceoff Factor

Conn Smyth Contender Post Game 3

Adam Jennings | National Hockey League

May 30, 04:32 PM | Hype this story!

Game 3- Pittsburgh takes advantage of home ice
Sidney Crosby rose to the occasion with two goals and rises up the ranks.

One of the best games of playoffs ends up being decided by an Adam Hall bank shot.

Game 2- Detroit gets quick lead, buries Penguins
Brad Stuart got the Wings on the board early, and the rest was history. Osgood records his second straight shutout and cements his place on top of the Contenders.

So far both games have played out similarly. The Wings get the first goal and go into constrictor mode. The Penguins only managed 22 shots.

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. Also, this list only contains players that are still playing. There is absolutely zero chance that someone on a non-Cup final team will win the Conn Smythe, therefore they cannot be considered contenders.

1. Chris Osgood, G, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 1)
Game 3- Osgood remains here for another game. Osgood stopped 21 of 24 shots and kept his Wings in it. This is, however, the third straight game that he has been outplayed by Fleury. If Pittsburgh wins game 4 and Fleury has a shutout or Crosby has another two goal game, then Osgood will be removed from the top spot.
Game 2- The bottom line is Osgood gets credit for a shutout, his second of the Cup final. Which means, that if the Wings win Osgood WILL win the Conn Smythe. In response to some comments about the last update, the Conn Smythe trophy is a token award for the MVP. It represents the player that did his job most efficiently during the playoffs, which is exactly what Osgood has done. He can’t control how many shots he faces and so far he has been the only “perfect” player this series, stopping all 41 shots. When you factor in his play during the previous rounds, he appears to be the strongest candidate.
The difference between Osgood and Fleury in the last game, was Fleury got his body on 33 of 34 shots. One shot, the Filpulla goal, was a great individual effort and a poor approach by Letang. On the first two goals, Fleury got a piece but couldn’t keep them out of the net. Osgood kept the pucks out. I agree Detroit is playing a great “team” game right now, which is directly responsible for Osgood’s performances. So, the only way to differentiate candidates is statistical accomplishments and two shutouts in the Cup final is huge.
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. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 6)
Game 3- Hopefully, this isn’t a flash in the pan. Crosby dominated the play and was a threat to bury the biscuit everytime he had it. Crosby’s two goals tie him for the playoff point lead once again.
Game 2- The Captain is faced with the biggest adversity of his hockey life. However, this situation could become a fairy tale. Everything is set-up for Crosby to cement his name as the best player in the World. If Sid can lead his team to the Cup at this point, he will shoot up these rankings
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

3. Henrik Zetterberg, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 2) Game 3- Henrik remains tied for the point lead, but wasn’t much of a factor in this game. His Conn Smythe chances will be hurt if Holmstrom misses significant time.
Game 2- Zetterberg continues to dominate while he’s on the ice. He recorded an assist, +1 and six shots on goal during his 23:24 ice-time. The assist should have been a goal, but Holmstrom poached it. The only way for Hank to take over Osgood, is if we start seeing some 5-4 games, with Zetterberg having multi-point games.
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. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 4)
Game 3- Fleury continued to outplay his counterpart in goal. The Flower turned away 32 of 34 shots and made the saves when he needed to. It’s still scary that Pittsburgh is getting so badly outshot, but all of the extra work can only help Fleury’s chances for the Conn Smythe.
Game 2- Fleury continues to play solid, but a goalie has yet to see a win without his team scoring a goal. Still, Fleury has kept his team in both games, which says something. If the Pens win a low scoring game 3, look for Fleury to move up a couple of spots.
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.

5. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 3)
Game 3- This was the third straight game that Datsyuk was left off the score sheet, which doesn’t help his chances for the MVP.
Game 2- Datsyuk didn’t get on the score sheet, but continued to be one of Detroit’s top players. He helped keep Pittsburgh’s top line off the board. Datsyuk has to start filling the net if he is to win the award.
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.

6. Marian Hossa, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 8)
Game 3- Hossa was a beast in game 3. The only thing he failed at was finishing. Hossa managed an assist on each of Hossa’s goals, but his Conn Smythe chances will only increase if he starts filling the net.
Game 2- Hossa moves up a spot by default. He is playing the best hockey of all Pittsburgh forwards, which doesn’t say much. Still, Hossa is leading the Pens’ forwards in ice-time and is playing good defensive hockey. Like most Penguins, Hossa has to find a way to get the puck on Osgood.
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.

7. Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 5)
Game 3- Lidstrom managed to record an assist, but was a negative factor with -1 rating. Nicklas was only second in Detroit ice time with 25:34.
Game 2- The former Conn Smythe winner is making another run. Lidstrom led the Wings in ice-time (25:51) and dictated the pace of play every second he was on. It will be tough for him to win, with three teammates above him.
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. Johan Franzen, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 9)
Game 3- The Mule managed a highlight reel goal after beating Robert Scuderi and Fleury. Franzen also led the Wings in shots on goal with six. I’m convinced that if Franzen hadn’t missed any games, he would be the number one contender for the Conn Smythe.
Game 2- Franzen got on the score sheet after missing six straight games. The Mule also had a +2 rating. Basically, good things happen when Franzen is on the ice.
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.

9. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 5)
Game 3- Hopefully, Malkin has found his way from the rock he was hiding under. Although, he was unable to get on the score sheet, he did manage a few scoring chances. Things are looking up for Geno.
Game 2- Malkin hasn’t been good so far, but I just have this feeling that it’s less Malkin and more of the team just adapting poorly to the Red Wings. Malkin is one of the best players in the World and we will see that before this series is over.
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.

10. Mikael Samuelsson, RW, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: NR)
Game 3- Samuelsson recorded Detroit’s second marker and played a solid overall game. It will take a lot more than that to get him up this list.
Game 2- Mikael continued to be a positive factor. He was on the ice for one of Detroit’s goals and managed two shots on net. Don’t look for him to move up this list anytime soon.
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 3- I just don’t understand how some experts have Kronwall ranked ahead of Lidstrom for the Conn Smythe. He might have been better this game, but overall Lidstrom is the Wings defense.
Game 2- I now firmly believe that Kronwall will be exploited once after one of his leaping hits. Whether the Pens exploit it by scoring or getting a power play, Kronwall is playing with fire. But, then again, he was on the ice for all of Detroit’s goals, so it will be tough, unless the Penguins gets a lead.
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 3- The only certainty of this series thus far is Gonchar leading the Penguins in ice-time. Gonchar put four pucks on goal and had a good defensive game.
Game 2- Nothing stellar, but Gonchar was consistent. He led the Pens in ice-time (28:35) again, but is another Pen (ie; all of them) struggling to generate scoring chances.
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 3- The Pens better hope that Staal continues his stellar play on the PK or they stop taking penalties because the Wings are one of the best powerplay teams and they are due to break out of this slump at some point during this series.
Game 2- Staal almost got the Pens on the board and might be the best player for them so far.
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 3- If Malkin gets going then Malone and Sykora are sure to follow. The whole line seems to still be a bit out of sync.
Game 2- In a series of almosts for the Penguins, Malone might have the biggest one. If he would’ve converted that pass from Crosby early in the first, this whole series is different. Nevertheless, it wasn’t to be. Still, Malone was one of only three Pens to have an even P/M rating.
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.