2014 Stanley Cup Finals Odds and Predictions: Conn Smythe Trophy Vegas Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2014 Stanley Cup Finals Odds and Predictions: Conn Smythe Trophy Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers: While either the New York Rangers or Los Angeles Kings will soon be joining the list of Stanley Cup winners, one player will soon be joining the prestigious list of Conn Smythe winners. The award is the NHL’s version of a postseason MVP, and while most sports simply have an MVP for the championship game or series, the Conn Smythe is given to the player deemed to be the most valuable to their team for the entirety of the Stanley Cup playoffs. That being said, no player has ever won the Conn Smythe and not reach the Stanley Cup Finals, but five players have won the award despite playing for the team that lost in the finals. Overall, winners of the Conn Smythe have been distributed between all positions with goalies and centers winning 16 times each, defensemen winning nine times, and wings winning seven times. With that in mind, let’s look at this year’s potential Conn Smythe candidates.

The Favorites

He has been a force on both ends of the ice for the Los Angeles Kings this postseason, and if they go on the win the Stanley Cup, another solid series from defenseman Drew Doughty is likely all that stands between him and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Doughty has scored 4 goals and dished out 12 assists in the playoffs, and he has been a general on the power playing, dishing out 8 assists. Meanwhile, he has logged nearly 28 minutes of ice time on average, and has punished opponents with physical play. In terms of time on the ice, Doughty has essentially played two more games than any other player on the Kings’ roster, and the fact that he has maintained such a high level of play despite such heavy minutes won’t be overlooked if the Kings win the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Kings’ offense has been excellent in the playoffs, and centers Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter have been leading the assault. Kopitar has 5 goals and a team-high 19 assists so far while Carter has 9 goals, including a team-high 4 power play goals, and 13 assists. Both players are averaging more than a point per game, and if either player has a big offensive performance in the Stanley Cup Finals, their overall numbers are going to be tough to ignore.

If the New York Rangers are going to win this series, it will likely be because of stellar play from goalie Henrik Lundqvist. He has been steady in net throughout the playoffs, and he currently owns a 2.03 goals against average and a playoff-best .928 save percentage. New York’s offense has been average at best this postseason, which has made Lundqvist’s strong play even more crucial to the Rangers’ success. If he is able to cool off a surging Los Angeles offensive attack and led New York to a title, he will win the Conn Smythe.

The Dark Horses

Since being acquired late in the season, right wing Martin St. Louis has been just what the New York was hoping for. His experience and offensive arsenal has made the Rangers a better all-around team, and St. Louis current leads the team with 6 goals this postseason while his 13 points are tied for the most. He has been the closest thing to a steady offensive force for a team that has struggled to score throughout the playoffs, and he has done it all despite losing his mother in May. If St. Louis carries the Rangers’ offense in the Stanley Cup Finals, he has a chance to nab Conn Smythe honors.

When the Kings traded for right win Marian Gaborik late in the year, they were looking to add a little extra offensive punch. Well, Gaborik has done that and more in the playoffs, scoring a playoff-high 12 goals and taking a team-high 65 shots. Gaborik has scored at least 3 goals in all three of Los Angeles’ playoff series, and if he goes for another 3-plus goals in the Stanley Cup Finals, he could definitely score his way to Conn Smythe honors.

It is no secret that New York has been relying heavily on its defense this postseason, and while goalie Henrik Lundqvist deserves a lot of the credit, defenseman Ryan McDonagh has also been excellent. He is averaging a team-high 25:12 of ice time per game, and his combination of speed and strength has been disrupting opposing attackers throughout the postseason. Meanwhile, he is tied for the lead with 13 points, and he leads the team with 10 assists and 6 power play points. If McDonagh can get the better of Los Angeles star blueliner Drew Doughty while continuing to be a great two-way contributor, he could help New York steal the Stanley Cup while he steals the Conn Smythe.

The Sleepers

Although he has been largely disappointing this postseason, New York’s most talented offensive player is easily left wing Rick Nash. His offensive arsenal combined with his size and strength have allowed him to be an elite goal-scorer in the past, and after scoring zero goals in the Rangers’ first two series, he scored three times in the Eastern Conference finals. Nash will obviously have to have a big series to make up for lost time, but against a hot offensive team like Los Angeles, he has the individual talent to be the equalizer. If Nash catches fire and put the Rangers’ offense on his back, he could still win the Conn Smythe.

Get expert NHL picks, tips and predictions daily from World Champion Handicapper Sonny LaFouchi(aka The LEGEND) only on NSAwins.com! Plus check out daily vegas odds to win the 2014 Stanley Cup!