Faceoff Factor

Conn Smythe Contenders Post Game 5

FF Staff | National Hockey League

Jun 3, 09:57 PM | Hype this story!

Game 5- Wow, just wow.
Petr Sykora sends the series back to Pittsburgh and the top of the list into chaos.

Osgood gets booted from the top spot in favor of teammate Zetterberg. Fleury moves up.

Game 4- Detroit’s PK keeps Pens at bay
A third period 5 on 3 penalty kill sealed a win and likely, Chris Osgood’s Conn Smythe chances.

Jiri Hudler netted the game winner early in the third, Osgood turned away 22 of 23 shots.

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. Henrik Zetterberg, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 2)
Game 5- Zetterberg finally pushes Osgood out of the top spot with an unbelievable game, including two third period assists that put the Wings within seconds of the Cup. Zetterberg led all Detroit forwards in ice-time in this marathon of a game.
Game 4- Another fantastic defensive game for Zetterberg. Coach Babcock held true to his word and did not overwork Henrik in the first period, and instead spread out his 23 minutes of ice-time. The one play that sticks out in my mind is a closeout on Crosby, in which he quickly turned around and prevented Sid from even getting a stick on a puck that would’ve tied the game. However, unless he has a monstorous game 5 or the series goes longer, it will be tough for Zetterberg to take down the Conn Smythe.
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.

2. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 4)
Game 5- Fleury had a signature MVP game stopping 55 of 58 shots. He had so many highlight saves that I had to take my shoes off in the beginning of overtime to continue keeping track of them. The Conn Smythe race is unbelievably close between the top six and if it goes to seven games, the winner is anyone’s guess.
Game 4- Fleury stopped 28 of 30 shots and has just been a pleasure to watch. Entering next season, no one will question Fleury’s credentials and he will be expected to perform as an elite goaltender. Still, there’s a lot of hockey left and if Fleury can lead the Pens to three straight wins starting tonight, I would find it tough to see him not winning the Conn Smythe.
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.

3. Chris Osgood, G, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 1)
Game 5- I finally relent and move Osgood down. It wasn’t so much as he played poorly as much as other people are playing otherworldly. With game 5, Fleury just flat-out outplayed Osgood and I can’t in good conscious keep him above the Flower any longer.
Here are their lines through the first five games:
Osgood GAA: 1.6 Shots faced: 120 SV%: .933
Fleury GAA: 2.8 Shots faced: 178 SV%: .927
It’s easy to see that Osgood has had a great series, but the shot differential is just too large to ignore and that’s why Fleury finally gets pushed up. If Detroit wins game 6 in shutout fashion, I would imagine Osgood still gets the trophy.
Game 4- Osgood showed why he has been ranked number one for the entire series. He continued to not face a lot of five on five shots (he stopped 15 of 15), but was Detroit’s best penalty killer (stopping 7 of 8). The only puck to get in the net was put in by Marian Hossa on a fantastic move. If Detroit wins game 5 and as long as Zetterberg does not record a hat trick or some other ridiculous game, Osgood wins the Conn Smythe.
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.

4. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 3)
Game 5- Two more assists and another great game by Crosby. He continues to lead playoff scoring with 26 points (6G, 20A), but will need a couple multi point games to close out the series and overtake Fleury as the Pens top contender for the Conn Smythe.
Game 4- Crosby chipped in an assist on Hossa’s early goal and continued to lead by example. I’m excited to see Crosby perform in his first elimination game as Captain. If Crosby finds a way to lead his Pens to victory tonight, I see this series going to seven.
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

5. Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 5)
Game 5- Lidstrom led the Wings in ice-time (45:24) and is really just a monster defensively. I realize that this isn’t exactly the most astute conclusion as it’s been known for years, but I’ve run out of things to say about him. It’s easy to take for granted the way Lidstrom plays because he’s so fluid.
Game 4- It seems like Lidstrom is destined to be known as the first European to captain a Stanley Cup Champion. Lidstrom absolutely blasted the equalizing goal in the first and led the Wings in ice-time with 28:23.
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

6. Marian Hossa, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last ranking: 7)
Game 5- For the second straight game Hossa put the Penguins on the board first. However, this time the Pens managed to pull out the win. Hossa also tacked on an assist on Maxime Talbot’s tying goal. This is the last player who has a real chance of taking home the Conn Smythe
Game 4- A brilliant move by Hossa put the Pens up early. Every game I see Hossa play makes it harder to believe that he might/probably won’t be back next season. I have a feeling Hossa will have a lot of chances tonight.
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. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 6)
Game 5- Pavel managed to light the lamp on the Wings first goal of the third period. However, it was more or less Zetterberg’s unbelievably good pass which was most responsible for the goal.
Game 4- Datsyuk finally found the score sheet assisting on the Lidstrom goal. Datsyuk defensive effort has been tremendous this entire series.
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.

8. Johan Franzen, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 8)
Game 5- The Mule assisted on the Wings third goal and was tied for the lead in shots on goal with seven.
Game 4- Franzen had his worst game of the playoffs, just because it seemed like it was the first time he was held off the scoresheet. Another player I’m excited to see perform next year. This streak that he’s been on is going to make expectations high, it will be interesting to see how he responds.
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: 9)
Game 5- Malkin gets on the score sheet for the first time this series after assisting on Sykora’s game-winner. It’s going to be interesting to see if Geno’s confidence has been restored. If the Malone-Malking-Sykora line gets going, the Wings could be in trouble.
Game 4- It’s a shame Malkin is taking all of this heat for the Penguins’ play. Malkin is going to find the score sheet tonight.
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. Nicklas Kronwall, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last ranking: 10)
Game 5- Kronwall was on the ice for an even 42 minutes and was a defensive force. In a game where the Wings put 58 shots on goal, Nicklas only recorded one. It wasn’t his best game of the series.
Game 4- Kronwall was second in ice-time for Detroit with 25:16 and continues to play like a top defenseman.
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.”