Now, Connor McDavid is far and away the favourite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy for Playoff MVP, even if the Oilers lose.
The Panthers are still clear favourites to win the series and lift the Cup with two opportunities to do so, but still McDavid is the heavy favourite to win the MVP - meaning McDavid could be the first player since J.S. Giguere in 2003 to win the accolade without winning the Cup. Only 5 players in history have won the Conn Smythe without winning the Cup.
McDavid has now put up 4 points in back to back games while facing elimination in the Cup Final, and is now within just 5 points of Wayne Gretzky's record of 47 points in a playoff season. It's very possible that McDavid is having the best playoff of all time, and he deserves the Conn Smythe for that win or lose.
If this series does go two more games, it's extremely possible that McDavid takes the crown for most playoff points in a single year of all time. McDavid also has the most points per game when facing elimination now too, showing that he's one of the most clutch players of all time. As Corey Perry said, McDavid's putting the team on his back and elevating his game on the biggest stage possible.
With this playoffs Connor McDavid may be cementing his legacy as the most talented player to ever play. If he and the Oilers can complete a near impossible comeback in the Stanley Cup Final, that debate may be settled.
POLL | ||
Do you think McDavid should win the Conn Smythe even if the Oilers lose? | ||
Yes, McDavid is the MVP | 343 | 90.3 % |
No, not if they don't win | 31 | 8.2 % |
See Results | 6 | 1.6 % |
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