A Loser’s Case For The Conn Smythe

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?

Mike Richards Hits David Booth

Last night Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers leveled an unsuspecting David Booth with a shoulder to the head and knocked Booth out.

In my opinion the hit was not a charge and certainly was not elbowing. Richards squared up and led with his shoulder and followed through on a hit to Booth, who had just made a drop pass. Booth wasn’t looking and Richards made him pay. This is a prime example of the need to keep your head up and not admire your pass.

Yes, Richards hit Booth in the head with his shoulder. Now, was it intentional? I would say no. However, intentional or not, the NHL must get serious about cracking down on hits to the head for the safety of the players.

Here is the video of Mike Richards’ hit on David Booth

Update: Bill Daly has just informed the media that there will be no suspension for Mike Richards in relation to this incident.

Players have been getting hit in the head for years in the National Hockey League. This is nothing new.  However, what is new is the force at which players are being impacted. Players are bigger and faster than they were ten years ago and the laws of physics still apply.  The larger the mass is and the higher velocity at which it travels increases the force of the impact.

Alex Semin Burns Coburn, Emery For Highlight Reel Goal

On Tuesday night Alexander Semin absolutely scorched Philadelphia defenceman Braydon Coburn and beat Ray Emery through the five hole on what may be the best highlight reel goal of the season thus far.

Semin brought the puck in over the Philadelphia blueline, pulled the puck through Coburn’s legs while beating him to the outside.  Semin then grabbed the puck on his backhand, brought it quickly to his forehand and snapped it between the legs of Ray Emery.

Video of the Semin Goal below…Enjoy.

Update:

As noted in the comments, Mike Richards scored a hat trick with all three goals coming in the second period.  This is apparently the first time any Philadelphia Flyer has ever scored three goals in a home opener.

NHL Season Set To Get Underway

To Russia With Love

The continental Hockey League in Russia is not only stealing players from North America, but is now swiping coaches from the National Hockey League…Since when has Russia believed in a free market?

Calgary Flames Assistant Coach, Wayne Fleming has accepted the position of head coach of the team hailing from Omsk, Russia.  If you are wondering where the heck Omsk is, here is a map to satisfy your curiosity.

Zubie Tends To Hip

Sergei Zubov, one of my favorite NHL blueliners has had arthroscopic surgery on his hip and will be out for a month to start the season.  The Stars will certainly miss his gifted passing abilities…I mean who else could pull this move off?

Pominville Gets 5 Years

The Sabres announced that they have agreed to terms on a 5-year contract extension with Jason Pominville.

Pominville finished second on the team in scoring last season, posting career-highs in points (80) and assists (53), along with 27 goals. He was also a team-high plus-16 as he played in all 82 games for the second consecutive season.

Lean Mean Goalie Machine

Carey Price is a solid 20 pounds lighter to start this season says Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette. I’m not sur eif that is good or bad considering he will now cover less of the net????  Obviously he will be quicker and have additional stamina, which should help a Canadiens team close out games.

Babcock Bragging

Mike Babcock is already bragging about the quality of his Detroit team and how deep they are.  What a problem to have!

“I got 10 NHL defensemen, can’t have 10. I got a whole pile of NHL forwards, can’t have that; got three NHL goalies, can’t have that.”

Richards To Lead Philly

Almost from the day he was drafted, Flyers center Mike Richards was referred to by many as the future captain of the club. On Wednesday, that speculation became a reality, as the 23-year-old fourth year center was named as the 17th captain in franchise history, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.