1 Conn Smythe Candidate For Every Remaining Team In The Stanley Cup Playoffs

Now that the first round has concluded and the eight teams moving on have been set, here is a look at the leading Conn Smythe candidate for each of the teams set to battle it out in Round 2.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights were the first team to close out their first round series and the only team to win in less than six games. Leading the charge was Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone with eight points a piece, but the team also had a great performance from Jack Eichel in his first postseason action. Although bounces went the way of Vegas, Stephenson tied for the team lead in goals, points, and was second in ice time among forwards from the second line. He also played in all situations, making him the Golden Knights' Conn Smythe leader thus far.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes got up and down performances in net and nobody was as impactful as Sebastian Aho in the first round for the team as expected. On a beaten down team, Aho led the charge with four goals and seven points in six games. He was the only player to score more than two goals and record more than five points on his team.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars were once again carried heavily by their top line and goaltending, but unlike the first round loss last season, they actually did get some help. The top line, led by Roope Hintz, dominated. The centerman led the team in goals (5) and points (12), exceeding the next closest point producer by five. While Jake Oettinger had himself a great series, Hintz had one of the best first rounds in the league this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs' first round woes are over and it is because of some new faces and the stars stepping up when it matters. The leading candidate for the Conn Smythe from Toronto is Auston Matthews who had five goals and nine points in six games and was a standout in a couple of the wins. Although the Maple Leafs had big contributions from their other stars and Samsonov, I don't think there will be much argument towards the former 60-goal scorer.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers once again knocked off the Los Angeles Kings in the first round and a familiar face led the charge. While Connor McDavid might have the advantage when it comes to the regular season, Leon Draisaitl has proven to be an incredible playoff performer, leading the Oilers in goals and points. He scored seven goals and 11 points in six games. Honorable mention to Evan Bouchard as he is having a real breakout right now.

Florida Panthers

Different players from the Florida Panthers stepped up at different times to provide the comeback the team needed, but there was one constant throughout the series regardless of a win or loss, Matthew Tkachuk. He was tied for the team lead in goals and led the team/series in points (11). Tkachuk is the leading candidate, but Brandon Montour also had himself a great series with five goals as a defenseman.

Seattle Kraken

The difference in the Seattle Kraken/Colorado Avalanche series was depth and goaltending. Although the Avalanche may have had the star power, the Kraken did what they did all season, run four effective lines. What was different is Philipp Grubauer stepped up huge for the Kraken and provided them with some actual goaltending and stole games, making him the leading candidate.

New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils were in a hole to start the series at home until Akira Schmid, the supposed third-string goalie this season for the team, got his opportunity to play and completely shut the New York Rangers down. Although it was a goaltending battle and Igor Shesterkin arguably played just as good, if not better, Schmid won four of the five games he played in, recorded two shutouts, and allowed just seven total goals, posting a .951 SV%.

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