Conn Smythe Power Rankings: Kuznetsov, Ovechkin contend for Fleury's top spot
Although just two teams remain in the hunt for the Stanley Cup, it's still a wide-open race for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Here are the top five leading candidates:
5. Jonathan Marchessault| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 8 | 10 | 18 | 19:39 | 10 |
The Golden Knights' top line of Marchessault, William Karlsson, and Reilly Smith have been nearly unstoppable this postseason. Marchessault has been the most dangerous of the three, leading the team in goals, points, shots, and is second in assists.
4. Braden Holtby
| GP | W-L | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 12-6 | 2.04 | .924 | 2 |
What a whirlwind of a season it's been for Holtby. By now, many forget it was Philipp Grubauer - not Holtby - who was between the pipes for the Capitals in their first two playoff games against the Blue Jackets after the former Vezina Trophy winner endured a turbulent season. That's all in the past, though, as Holtby has played fantastic when it's mattered most.
3. Evgeny Kuznetsov| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 11 | 13 | 24 | 21:31 | 7 |
Given that Kuznetsov leads all players in postseason points, there's an argument to be made that he should be higher on this list. He's seemingly brought his speed and creativity every single night. He's gone toe-to-toe with some of the game's best centers in the past two rounds, but yet, he's the one left standing.
2. Alex Ovechkin
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 12 | 10 | 22 | 21:14 | 5 |
Ovechkin is in rarefied air, as he sits second in both goals and hits this postseason. Armed with arguably the best shot of all time, plus a 235-pound frame, Ovechkin has simply been a nightmare for the opposition during a grueling playoff run. He's the heart and soul of the team. If he goes, they go. Right now, he's firing on all cylinders.
1. Marc-Andre Fleury| GP | W-L | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 12-3 | 1.68 | .947 | 4 |
Fleury has held the top spot on these power rankings since the get-go, and with good reason. He's been absolutely lights out since the beginning of the postseason without any blips on the radar. If the Golden Knights are to win yet another round and hoist the Stanley Cup, Fleury's play in goal will be a massive reason why.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
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