A Loser’s Case For The Conn Smythe
May 26, 2010 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Columns
The Conn Smythe trophy is one often one of hockey’s most unpredictable awards. At the outset of the playoffs it is nearly impossible to know which player will rise to the top over the course of the next few weeks.
There are some years when an unbelievable individual performance carries an unlikely team to the Stanley Cup finals. In those cases, such as it was with J.S Giguere and Ron Hextall, a player can win the Conn Smythe when his team loses the Stanley Cup.
This year, however, we have a unique situation in that there is really nobody on the Philadelphia Flyers that could earn that distinction in a losing cause. Michael Leighton, although very good in the games that he played, has not played enough games or “stolen games” as yet. I believe it would take a remarkable performance from Leighton (repeat of the Conference Finals with more ‘big game saving’ stops) in the finals in order for him to be considered for the Conn Smythe.
I would also argue the same for Chicago’s Antti Niemi. If Kirk McLean couldn’t win the Conn Smythe while making a record 761 playoff saves in a losing effort back in 1994, then neither of these goaltenders have a hope.
Could A Forward Win In A Losing Cause?
Jonathan Toews has to be the front runner right now when evaluating forwards who could possibly win the Conn Smythe if their team lost the Stanley Cup. Toews is currently leading the playoffs in scoring with 26 points in 16 games. Leading all remaining players in faceoff percentage and his 5 powerplay and 3 game winning goals solidify his spot as a contender for MVP.
Mike Richards may be the player with the next best shot, leading the Flyers in scoring thus far with 21 points. However, of his 6 goals, he has just one Game Winner. Danny Briere has 4 game winning goals and a total of 18 points, with a couple of game winners in the final, he could have an outside shot.
Ironically, the last (and only) time a non-goalie won the Conn Smythe it was a Philadelphia Flyer!
Reggie Leach won the Conn Smythe in a losing cause back in 1976 when he recorded an NHL record 19 playoff goals in 16 games. He picked up the playoff MVP award despite his team being swept in the final by the Montreal Canadiens.
Many considered Ken Dryden a favorite to win the award, but no other Flyer had more than 6 goals that playoff year and Boston’s Jean Ratelle had the second most playoff goals with 8.
That is the kind of dominance it takes for a non-goaltender to win the Conn Smythe in a losing cause.
Will It Happen This Year?
Frankly, it will take an absolutely astonishing performance throughout a long series for any player to earn the Conn Smythe in a losing cause this season. One of the three forwards mentioned would have to rack up a pile of points and score some very key goals to win. I don’t think either of the starting goalies can win in a losing effort, regardless of what happens in this series.
I have purposely left out defenseman. One could make an argument for a defenseman such as Chris Pronger to win, but I think the possibility is extremely remote. If the Flyers were to win the Cup, Pronger should get some consideration the same light that saw Scott Niedermayer win in 2007 and Nicklas Lidstrom in 2002.
What do you think?
Who is your favorite for the Conn Smythe?
Ryan Hackett on Thu, 27th May 2010 1:30 am
I think that if the Blackhawks were to lose in a tightly contested series and Toews avoided a complete meltdown, there’s still a better than average chance he gets the nod for the Conn Smythe. That said, it would come as little consolation to him as well as the rest of Blackhawks Nation. Knowing his personality, he wouldn’t feel like an MVP if he didn’t lead his team to a Stanley Cup. And I wouldn’t be able to blame him.
Eric B on Thu, 27th May 2010 7:27 am
I have to disagree with Toews, although he is a remarkable talent. If the Flyers win the series, it will be because Pronger and company are able to shut down Toews and limit his points – in other words, if the Flyers win, his point total will have to be in the low 30s when it is all said and done.
Tyler on Thu, 27th May 2010 8:16 am
Eric,
You make a great point, for sure. But, along with Ryan’s comment that if Toews has a great series and the Hawks still manage to lose (however unlikely) could he still win? I think it’s remote, but possible.
Kyle on Thu, 27th May 2010 8:28 am
In theory, a loser *can* win the award, but it’s so rarely done that’s hardly worth thinking about, although it’s an interesting debate.
If Toews has a good series and the Hawks still lose, I think he could win it, but that would likely be eclipsed by Pronger’s already strong playoff run and then he would take the award.
I think if the Habs had made it past Philly, Halak would have received strong consideration regardless of how they fared in the finals.
You’re right, Tyler. For a player from the losing team to take the Conn Smythe, he has to show ridiculous amounts of dominance; that he was truly carrying his team on his back. I don’t know that anyone is in position to do that this year except maybe Toews.
Tyler on Thu, 27th May 2010 9:35 am
@Kyle – I certainly agree with your thoughts on Halak. he would have been a great candidate a la J.S Giguere to win the Conn Smythe.
Happening just 5 times in history certianly makes the feat rare. However, I thought I’d take the time to write it down and get some thougths from others as I was researching the possibility.
Thanks for your comment!