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5 Front-Runners For NHL's Conn Smythe Trophy

By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns

If you haven't tuned into the NHL playoffs yet, you should probably get on that.

Both the Eastern and Western Conference finals have gone the distance and will require a decisive seventh game, which should make for some fantastic theater. There's so much talent on all four remaining teams that it's hard to imagine any of them being eliminated.

Who's had the biggest impact on their team's respective success? Let's take a look at five possible playoff MVPs:

5. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Duncan-Keith
Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks saves the puck from going in against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 27, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

A defenseman hasn't earned the distinction since Scott Niedermayer in 2007, but if there's a guy who can do it, it's Keith. Sixteen points in 16 games, and he's averaging nearly 32 minutes of ice time per game -- by far the most of anyone in the postseason. He's been sharp defensively, too.

4. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

Corey-Perry
Corey Perry celebrates his third-period goal with Patrick Maroon of the Anaheim Ducks against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 23, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Ryan Getzlaf has two more points (two goals, 17 assists), but I'm giving Perry the nod for getting it done in both the goals (9) and assists (8) categories. He's such an opportunistic player, and he's clutch (yes, that's a real thing) too.

3. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick-Kane
Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks stands on the ice during the singing of the national anthem before playing the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 19, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Ten goals and 17 points in 16 games will get you and your team places. He's one of the main reasons Chicago has hung around in this very tough matchup with Anaheim.

2. Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers - Game Two
Tyler Johnson of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates with his teammates after his second goal in the first period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 18, 2015. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The triplets line is superb, but everything seems to run through Johnson. His 20 points leads all players, he's constantly reminded us that he's going to be a star.

1. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes a stick save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden on May 24, 2015. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Though he hasn't been at his best at certain points over the past six games, he's still been reason No. 1 why the Rangers are where they are. His 2.11 goals-against average and .928 save percentage are tops among the four remaining goaltenders.

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