After two rounds of play, the playoffs gave us some surprising candidates at the top of the list (Halak, Cammalleri, Pavelski). Now that we have 2 teams, the candidates are more than the expected variety for each team. The only unknown factor here is how do you deal with the Philadelphia goalie situation? If Leighton has 3 more shutouts, is it conceivable to give the award to a player who missed the first half of the playoffs? Since we are a long way from that happening, here are the top contenders through the first 3 rounds of action, along with what they will have to play in order to win the prize:
1. Antti Niemi
Before the playoffs, there was a widespread feeling in the hockey world that goalkeeping would be the only potential weak link for the Hawks. I don’t understand where that was coming from, aside from his rookie status, as Niemi was solid on the net during the regular season and had to fight Huet’s big contract policy to earn the number one spot. Through 3 rounds of play, the cynics have begun to fade. Niemi has not only avoided being the weak link, in fact he has been the greatest strength of the team. Over 3 rounds of play 16 games, he has a GAA of 2.33, (tying him with Philly Goalie Option 1, Brian Boucher), and placing him second only behind Philly Goalie Option 2, Michael Leighton.) His save percentage of 921 and 2 shutouts are also quality numbers, rookies or not.
What is needed:
The Hawks are scoring high and low on their list, somewhat diminishing the role of any of their star forwards. If the Hawks go all the way and he keeps his GAA below 2.5 for the series, it’s the most logical choice for the award.
2. Jonathan Toews
Toews has done it all for Chicago. His solid play in every corner of the court is only complemented by the fact that he leads all scorers this postseason with 26 points. He also leads all playoff scorers with 5 power play goals. He’s still a long way from the 36 points Malkin scored last season, but going back to 1996, the top scorer in the playoffs before Malkin ever reached 27. Toews should join that company at the end of the first game on the streak. you have had.
What is needed:
Obviously, a Chicago win will likely be required for Toews to be considered. He will have to maintain a good rhythm of points per game to prove himself on his goalkeeper. If Niemi’s numbers start to slide and Toews can keep up, Toews should pick up the prize.
3. Mike Richards
With a sharp rise in the final round 3 games, Richards is now only in second place with 21 points from 17 games. He has been the emotional catalyst of his career this season, and has scored key goals and assists throughout.
What is needed:
If the Flyers win the Cup and Richards scores a couple more points, it should be the man. Even if Briere does eventually beat him, it will have to be by several points to convince the jury that he was more valuable to the Flyers fortune than their captain.
4. Chris Pronger
Recently, it has become more common for the award to go to a defender. Three of the last 9 have been awarded to a blueliner. Perhaps the only difference is that for all three (Niedermeyer, Lidstrom, Stevens), those guys were also the captain of their team. Although he does not officially wear the ‘C’ in Philadelphia, no one can question the leadership he has brought to the Flyers. After all, this is not the first time that Pronger has led an underdog team to the Finals in the last 5 years. In terms of numbers, Pronger leads all defenders in the playoffs with 4 goals and 14 points. He has also been playing about 30 minutes a night.
What is needed:
If the Flyers win and Pronger is in a winning game or two, you can certainly defend him against Richards. Also, if the stitches run dry for Richards, look to the Pronger talk to warm up as the favorite. While these top 4 deserve most of the attention, here are some other names that could come into play if they advance to the Finals (or keep up with Round 3).
5. Patrick Kane
Kane enters the final as the third highest scorer with 20 points in 16 games. He is tied with Toews in goals, but is behind his captain by 6 assists. Beyond the roster, Kane hasn’t been as valuable to his team’s overall success as Toews, so he would have to do some magic in the final round to win the award.
6. Dustin Byfuglien
Although he is currently 28th among playoff scorers in points, his contributions in terms of goals make him a dark horse candidate. His 8 goals, including 3 game winners in Round 3, are the best for the Hawks. If you can repeat that magic in Round 4, your name will certainly enter the conversation.
7. Danny Briere
Briere had a strong scoring streak and currently ranks sixth in scoring with 18 points from 17 games. He also reaches the final as the player with the most goals (second overall only behind Cammalleri, who has gone home). Briere will have to outrun Richards by a wide margin to win the honors.
8. Michael Leighton
Even if Leighton can keep his miracle numbers in the playoffs, it’s a long shot that the award goes to a guy who missed the first round and a half. And it’s not like he’s rescued the team from mismanagement of goalkeepers, as Brian Boucher was leading all goalkeepers at the time of their inopportune injuries. However, his game has been so spectacular that it would be a crime not to include him on the list.
As for the predictions, I say that ultimately, the Flyers will surpass Niemi with a few more pucks than the teams in the West did. Jonathan Toews will continue to step up his game and guide his team to the Cup and Conn Smythe.
