The Stanley Cup is widely considered the toughest trophy to win in all sports, however, the Conn Smythe Trophy given to the NHL playoffs MVP is the highest form of individual hardware that a player can earn. In regards to chances on which guy will acquire the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask is the overwhelming favorite.
Rask is your -120 front-runner to market the hardware in BetOnline, together with Jaden Schwartz (+325), Jordan Binnington (+350), Brad Marchand (+700), Patrice Bergeron (+1800), David Pastrnak (+2000), Vladimir Tarasenko (+2000), Alex Pietrangelo (+2500), Charlie Coyle (+3000) and David Krejci (+3000) rounding out the top 10.
Is it Tuukka Time?
Rask has put the Bruins on his back in numerous matches so far through three rounds, and his 12-5 SU album, 1.84 goals-against typical and .942 save percent have B’s fans reminiscing about Tim Thomas’ improbable run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
Rask, who’s been the subject of scrutiny among Boston press and fans alike for not living up to his pricey contract, has set those concerns to bed at the Bruins’ run to the Cup. Los Angeles’ Jonathan Quick was the previous goaltender to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012, yet Rask could readily buck that trend this time around.
Don’t overlook O’Reilly
I am a little surprised to see Blues center Ryan O’Reilly all the way down the record at +4000. O’Reilly ranks second on the Blues in postseason scoring with three goals and 11 assists, but he has been far and away the best forwards on the Blues since the beginning of the regular season. The Conn Smythe Trophy does not factor in regular-season victory, but when O’Reilly will continue to excel at the Cup Final, I can see him getting the nod.
Blues rookie netminder Jordan Binnington’s encounter from minor-league afterthought to superstardom was nothing short of amazing, and just put, St. Louis likely wouldn’t have made the playoffs with him. The Blues were the worst team in the NHL on January 3 and shot off when head coach Craig Berube handed the reins of the starting goaltender job to Binnington.
His stats are not as eye-popping as Rask’s (12-7, 2.37 GAA, .914 SVpercent ) but he has been rock-solid for the Blues when they’ve needed him the most. At +350, I believe he is a little undervalued.
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