The Conn Smythe Trophy 2023 tracker

[Kaner9]

March right now imo. But its close with Veg

 

[pelderhostiga]

Scoring goals at critical times is bad. Interesting take.

That was not the point, like at all.

I don't think the Panthers win the cup unless Bob wins the Smythe, he will need to play at a level that earns him the Smythe in order for the Panthers to win the Cup.

This. Not to mention he's the biggest single reason the Panthers are even in the finals. The definition of the trophy is "the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs", and thus far it has been Bobrovsky from the Panthers, hands down. I doubt anyone can make a realistic argument that anyone else from the Panthers roster has contributed as much to their success as him. Florida has won 13 games this postseason and Bobrovsky has played lights out in 11 of those games.

Yet, as I stated earlier, I know that many NHL awards are based more on a narrative than on the literal definition of the award. And so I can definitely see Tkachuk winning the trophy from the Panthers. Four late game heroics might seem measely compared to Bobrovsky's 11 stellar performances, especially considering that in some of those games Tkachuk was invisible before those late game heroics, but of course scoring is important if you want to win. There just have been more stolen games by Bobrovsky with someone else scoring the winner than the other way around.

 

[Leksand]

I'm not sure it's close.

Eichel has been very good but you can't argue with the stats Marchessault is putting up.

This is absolutely the case right now. Eichel is the straw that stirs the drink, but without Marchessault it’s alcohol free. No one wants that. But, if Eichel can start scoring a couple or more in the last few games to win the Stanley Cup, he may still get the Conn Smythe, IMO. He’s been real good.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

It's Tkachuk.

 

[ORRFForever]

This is absolutely the case right now. Eichel is the straw that stirs the drink, but without Marchessault it’s alcohol free. No one wants that. But, if Eichel can start scoring a couple or more in the last few games to win the Stanley Cup, he may still get the Conn Smythe, IMO. He’s been real good.

Great avatar.

 

[IceNeophyte]

This is absolutely the case right now. Eichel is the straw that stirs the drink, but without Marchessault it’s alcohol free. No one wants that. But, if Eichel can start scoring a couple or more in the last few games to win the Stanley Cup, he may still get the Conn Smythe, IMO. He’s been real good.

Great analogy

 

[SUX2BU]

Vegas’ Conn smythe winner

 

[WetcoastOrca]

Bob if Florida wins.
Marchessault if Vegas wins.

Tkachuk has been clutch but if Florida ends up winning the Cup it will be because of Bob. If it goes 7 games and they lose I’d still consider him a good choice.

 

[Oddbob]

When Vegas wins it will virtually guaranteed be Eichel and if Florida comes back it will guaranteed be Tkachuk. Media members vote these and they always pick the best story in their view as the winner. Eichel after all his Buffalo surgery stuff and never being in the playoffs and Tkachuk for his rep and last summer leaving for a new team.

 

[Oddbob]

You sure about that? Bob had a lemon of game 2 but also basically just stole game 3, and if it’s supposed to be for the whole playoffs… Bob stole many other games going into this.

Bob is absolutely in the “even if you lose the cup you might still win the conn smyth” conversation. Don’t forget, Gigure had a lemon in 2003 game 6.

Giguere was the only reason they got out of round 1 let alone making the finals. One bad game isn't swaying that. Bob has been nowhere near as good as Giggy was. Detroit nearly doubled Anaheim in shots and chances in that series and Giggy just couldn't be beat. Likely similar in the other rounds as well.

 

[SillyRabbit]

When Vegas wins it will virtually guaranteed be Eichel and if Florida comes back it will guaranteed be Tkachuk. Media members vote these and they always pick the best story in their view as the winner. Eichel after all his Buffalo surgery stuff and never being in the playoffs and Tkachuk for his rep and last summer leaving for a new team.

I agree with your assessment but I think that Marchassault deserves it over Eichel.

But the media favors Eichel's story and "brand name" over Marchy.

 

[Oddbob]

I agree with your assessment but I think that Marchassault deserves it over Eichel.

But the media favors Eichel's story and "brand name" over Marchy.

Probably does, but Marchy is basically an unknown to casuals. For example Kessel had a pretty darn good run in one of the Cup wins for Pittsburgh and some said he was the best Pen that year and he didn't win. It went to Crosby.

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Probably does, but Marchy is basically an unknown to casuals. For example Kessel had a pretty darn good run in one of the Cup wins for Pittsburgh and some said he was the best Pen that year and he didn't win. It went to Crosby.

Only people who don't know hockey think Kessel deserved it over crosby

 

[Uncle Rotter]

Probably does, but Marchy is basically an unknown to casuals.

And Eichel isn't?

 

[IceNeophyte]

And Eichel isn't?

Be nice.

 

[GMR]

Only people who don't know hockey think Kessel deserved it over crosby

Kessel had my vote that year.

 

[Freaky Styley]

I know not everyone agrees but for me it's Stone for Vegas. They have a few players you could make an argument for though.

 

[Bonin21]

Kessel had my vote that year.

From what I recall he was the obvious pick until the last 3 or so games of the playoffs, and once that doubt crept in it was 87's.

 

[Sentinel]

Marchessault is starting to separate himself from the pack.

You Eichel people make it sound like Justin Williams didn't win the Smythe.

 

[IceNeophyte]

Marchessault is starting to separate himself from the pack.

You Eichel people make it sound like Justin Williams didn't win the Smythe.

I'm feeling Stone. Heart and soul of the team and set up most of Marchy's goals.

 

[Mike C]

Marchessault is starting to separate himself from the pack.

You Eichel people make it sound like Justin Williams didn't win the Smythe.

Bookies have Marchessault at -500

Hill +800
Ecichel +1200
Stone +1800

 

[VivaLasVegas]

When Vegas wins it will virtually guaranteed be Eichel and if Florida comes back it will guaranteed be Tkachuk. Media members vote these and they always pick the best story in their view as the winner. Eichel after all his Buffalo surgery stuff and never being in the playoffs and Tkachuk for his rep and last summer leaving for a new team.

It could very well be Aiden Hill. The media has oohed and aahed about him, and he does have a highlight reel of amazing saves.

Of course, he had a pretty good defense in front of him, but that's not for public consumption.

 

[Mike C]

It could very well be Aiden Hill. The media has oohed and aahed about him, and he does have a highlight reel of amazing saves.

Of course, he had a pretty good defense in front of him, but that's not for public consumption.

No. Only ref bashing and excuse making whining makes it to the public forefront

 

[Oddbob]

And Eichel isn't?

Eichel is much more known than Marchessault.

 

[ORRFForever]

Marchessault is starting to separate himself from the pack.

You Eichel people make it sound like Justin Williams didn't win the Smythe.

There are a bunch of Eichel supporters pushing him to the front of the line at HF - it is what it is. In my eyes, he will not win. According to the odd makers, he won't win.

We'll all know by the end of the week.