Cam Ward, Joe Nieuwendyk, Bill Ranford and… Dave Keon. Just listing these few names is enough to illustrate just how “refreshing” the current National Hockey League playoffs are for fans.
These hockey players were the winners of the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded to playoff MVP, during recent conquests by the Carolina Hurricanes (2006), Dallas Stars (1999), Edmonton Oilers (1990), and Toronto Maple Leafs (1967 ).
• Also read: The Maple Leafs curse is broken!
There’s been a lot of talk about the Leafs and their lack of more than half a century without winning the Stanley Cup, but the next winners will have gone at least 17 years without a triumph.
New Masters?
It should be noted that three of the last eight teams have never won the Stanley Cup this season, namely the Florida Panthers and the last two expansion clubs: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken. The New Jersey Devils have not won since 2003, when opposing goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère was chosen by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim over Martin Brodeur for the Conn-Smythe.
After 2006, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning all had 10-of-16 wins overall. The next winners will have different faces. Oilers forward Connor McDavid is currently the bookies’ pick for the playoff MVP.