Eight players who have been superb

Still too early to name Conn Smythe Trophy favourites, but early candidates abound

Technically, the Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the player “judged most valuable to his team during the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.” But let’s be real: it’s based almost solely on the final.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a ghost in the first three rounds of the playoffs, as long as you come to play in the fourth.

So, with only two rounds in the books, now is not exactly the right time to come up with a list of candidates. That being said, here are eight players who are having Conn Smythe-worthy playoffs, for now, that is:

PEKKA RINNE, NASHVILLE

How dominant has Rinne been? Heading into Game 1 of the Western Conference final, his .951 save percentage is the highest in the history of the playoffs. It’s going to be difficult for Rinne to maintain that level of play. But considering he allowed just three goals against the Blackhawks and a 1.83 goals-against average against the Blues, don’t bet against it.

ERIK KARLSSON, OTTAWA

The Senators defenceman has already won two Norris Trophies, but these playoffs have elevated Karlsson to superstar status. He’s wowed onlookers with his tape-to-tape Hail Mary passes, won over critics for his willingness to play on a fractured foot and confounded opposing defences with a variety of shapeshifting moves that seem to contradict the laws of physics.

RYAN GETZLAF, ANAHEIM

The Ducks’ captain, who had only 15 goals in the regular season, entered Game 1 of the Western Conference final with eight goals and 15 points in 11 games. Said Predators head coach Peter Laviolette: “He’s a terrific hockey player. He’s big. He’s strong. He plays both ends of the ice. He can skate. He’s powerful, can shoot pucks and make plays. Outside of that, he’s a good leader for their team. There’s not a lot that he doesn’t do.”

A Conn Smythe winner in 2009, Malkin was at times criticized for not scoring enough during Pittsburgh’s 2016 Stanley Cup run (he finished with 18 points in 23 games). He has already matched that total in just 12 games. But what has particularly stood out is his leadership. When Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion against the Capitals, Malkin took charge by scoring a goal and picking up three points in back-to-back games.

RYAN ELLIS, NASHVILLE

From Shea Weber to Ryan Suter to Seth Jones, there is something about playing in Nashville that brings the best out of defencemen. While Roman Josi and P.K. Subban headed into Game 1 of the conference final with 16 points between them, it’s been Ellis who has stood out as the Predators’ No. 1 offensive weapon. He was leading the team with four goals and nine points.

MARC-ANDRE FLEURY, PITTSBURGH

Last year, Fleury got hurt right before the playoffs and lost the starting job to Matt Murray. This year, their roles have been reversed. After Murray was injured, Fleury took over and has not looked back. His 29-save shutout against the Capitals in Game 7 after back-to-back rocky starts showed just how mentally tough he is.

BOBBY RYAN, OTTAWA

Where was Brian Burke when Bobby Ryan dove in front of a Rangers’ slap shot the other day? Burke was quoted as saying Ryan “can’t spell intense” when deciding to leave the U.S. winger off the 2014 Olympic team. Ryan, who has four goals and nine points, has been a driving force behind Ottawa’s offence. And with six blocked shots and 12 penalty minutes, he is playing with an intensity that has not gone unnoticed.

RYAN KESLER, ANAHEIM

He’s the player opposing teams and their fans love to hate. And for good reason. Kesler played a pivotal role in the Ducks advancing past the Oilers. It was Kesler who shadowed Connor McDavid, limiting the Oilers captain to just one shot and no points in Game 7.