Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is complete, and the early contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP are emerging. Only performances and stats from the opening round are being considered. This approach aims to provide a level playing field for players on teams whose Round 2 series are yet to begin.
Tuch’s Timely Goals
Tuch was identified as a key player for the Sabres before Round 1. He certainly delivered. Tuch scored the opening goal in a series-clinching Game 6. He also assisted on the opening goal in a Game 4 win, and scored the winning goal in Game 3. Tuch contributed in all areas, playing the second-most minutes among Sabres forwards while shorthanded, and helping Buffalo kill off 14 of 16 Bruins power plays.
Wedgewood’s Strong Showing
Wedgewood conceded just five goals in a four-game sweep in Round 1. The matchup against the Kings offense wasn’t overly daunting, but Los Angeles limited Colorado’s offensive attack to just four goals over the first two games of the series. Wedgewood needed to be excellent from the start, and he delivered.
Games 3 and 4 were extremely tight until the third period before Colorado broke through, scoring nine goals combined. If Wedgewood had allowed a soft goal early, either game could have gone the other way.
Andersen’s Impressive Turnaround
Andersen, aged 36, had a poor regular season, posting a .874 save percentage. Rod Brind’Amour’s decision to start Andersen over Brandon Bussi was questioned by many. Bussi was Carolina’s more effective goalie in the regular season.
Andersen seized his opportunity, allowing just five goals in Carolina’s four-game sweep of the Senators. Linus Ullmark was the only goalie who stopped more goals above expected than Andersen in Round 1. In a low-scoring series, the margins for error for Andersen were extremely small, but he was exceptional.
Hughes Dominates on Defence
Hughes’s sensational performance in Round 1 demonstrated why the Wild traded for him. He averaged the most ice time of any player in the league in the opening round. He also dictated play at both ends of the ice.
He performed against the Stars, the NHL’s No. 3-ranked team during the regular season. Hughes got better as the series went on. He scored a pair of goals and added an assist in a series-clinching Game 6 victory.
LaCombe’s Emerging Talent
Those who followed the Ducks closely this season know how good LaCombe already is, but Round 1…