Commentary
2009 Conn Smythe Watch
Here is a look at which players are in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy and playoff MVP (updated through Tuesday's Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals):
CHRIS OSGOOD, DETROIT RED WINGS |
  • Stats: Games: 22; Record: 15-7; GAA: 2.00; Save %: .927; SO: 2. • The veteran netminder was terrific again Tuesday night, but he's yet to learn the craft of scoring goals! He stopped 29 of 31 shots, including a number of Grade-A chances. He's doing his part. |
MARC-ANDRE FLEURY, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
 • Stats: Games: 23; Record: 15-8; GAA: 2.68; Save %: .906; SO: 0. • It's a great sign for a young netminder when he responds from being pulled in a Cup finals game with a performance like Tuesday night. He stopped 25 of 26 shots, including 13 in the third period when the Wings pressed for the equalizer. His breakaway save on Daniel Cleary capped the night. |
HENRIK ZETTERBERG, DETROIT RED WINGS |
  • Stats: Games: 22; G: 11; A: 13; plus-13; PIM: 13; ATOI: 22:10; Hits: 37. • The Wings star was held pointless, but was dangerous, second on the team with four shots on goal, including a great chance from point-blank range in the first period. He was minus-1 in 21:24 of ice time and continues to show great chemistry with fellow star Pavel Datsyuk. |
NICKLAS LIDSTROM, DETROIT RED WINGS |
 • Stats: Games: 20; G: 4; A: 11; plus-10; PIM: 6; ATOI: 25:32; Hits: 13. • The 39-year-old captain recorded his second assist of the series and once again did a great job on Sidney Crosby. He was his steady self, recording zero giveaways in 24:01 of ice time. |
SIDNEY CROSBY, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
  • Stats: Games: 23; G: 15; A: 16; plus-9; PIM: 14; ATOI: 21:16; Hits: 19. • A quiet night, really, for the Penguins captain. One shot on goal, no points and a minus-1 rating in 17:54 of ice time. His team won anyway, and you have to figure No. 87 might have something special in store for Game 7 of the Cup finals. |
EVGENI MALKIN, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
 • Stats: Games: 23; G: 14; A: 21; plus-2; PIM: 51; ATOI: 21:00; Hits: 40. • Two straight stinkers from the Russian star center. He was held pointless for a second straight game and took a terrible cross-checking penalty in the third period some 200 feet from his net. |
- Hockey writer for ESPN.com
- 10 years at Toronto Sun, Windsor Star and National Post
- Wrote best-selling true crime book "Deadly Innocence"
- Covers the NHL for ESPN.com and TSN of Canada
- Six years on the "Hockey Night In Canada" Hotstove panel
- 13 years at The Canadian Press National News Agency
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