3 Oilers' Candidates For Conn Smythe Trophy
EDMONTON -- Playoffs are the best time of the year to be a hockey fan.
At least, the hockey fan of a team that is in the playoffs - which Edmonton Oilers fans can bear witness to.
With the Oilers advancing to the Western Conference final, it seemed like a good time to look back at the performances that the team has received from their players. Who is most worthy of consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playofff MVP? Here are my choices.
Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl & Evan Bouchard. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Bouchard
Evan Bouchard leads all defensemen in post season scoring with 20 points. That also has him ranked third overall among all skaters in playoff points.
Evan Bouchard. Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
His two way play has been impressive this post season - more often than not the ice tips in the Oilers' favor. The pairing of Bouchard with Mattias Ekholm has been the Oilers' best since the acquisition of Ekholm.
Add to all of this the fact that he has three game winning goals, and it's a splendid recipe to be in consideration for the Conn Smythe.
Connor McDavid
Despite what others may say, Connor McDavid wears his heart on his sleeve. His passion comes out on the ice - where he is intense, physical and unrelenting. There are times when the Oilers' captain seemingly wills his team to win.
Connor McDavid. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
He's not the team's top scorer - but that doesn't matter to him. When McDavid is on the ice, everything comes up Oilers. He is a game changer, full stop. McDavid can draw multiple defenders to himself and then dish the puck to a teammate who can finish the play.
In the playoffs, he leads the league with 19 assists. McDavid is also second in the league in points per game and power play points in the playoffs. He's been electric, but there is only one Oilers' player who deserves the Conn Smythe more than McDavid.
Leon Draisaitl
Leon Draisaitl is a force of nature during the playoffs. At times during the regular season it can appear like Draisaitl is coasting - there is zero of that in the playoffs.
Leon Draisaitl. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Draisaitl skates his heart out in the post season - and the benefits are numerous. He makes everyone around him better and is always making plays, even if some of those plays result in turnovers.
Draisaitl leads the NHL in playoff points, power play points, power play goals, and points per game in the post season. He has eight goals, 16 assists and 24 points in 12 playoff games.
Playoff Draisaitl is unstoppable - which is why he's my top pick for the Conn Smythe.
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