OT: As of this morning who would be your Conn Smythe trophy winner?

[Tiger Paul Lives]

this is really a tough one, but I would go with Murray. Actually, if you could give it to a group, it would be the defense. This bunch of no names, under the radar group has been excellent as a whole throughout and have made Murray's job easier. Not easy, but easier.

If I am looking at offense, it has to go to Kessel and for overall effort, Crosby. Didn't he have 3 game winners in the Tampa series.

To this point, it has been such a team effort, there really hasn't been that absolute standout for the Pens.

It will be really interesting to see who is chosen if the Pens win this. Hopefully they do it at home on Thursday night.

 

[pittdan77]

Was going to post the same question here.

Kessel has to be my favorite. Although Crosby has three game winners. Guess you see what happens yet but I think it would make a lot of the crap that guy has suffered over his career worth it.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

If the Penguins win on Thursday night, I predict that Sidney Crosby is going to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. He has been the NHL's best player for the better part of a decade now and he is dominating this series at both ends of the ice. He has been extremely noticeable out there and he wins every corner battle he engages in.

The media tends to give far greater weight to the conference finals in the Stanley Cup Final than they do to the earlier rounds – when Crosby was good but not great – so I think he's going to get it. It's basically the only small hole left on his resume and I don't think it's going to be there in another week.

Personally, my choice would be Kris Letang. I think he has been phenomenal throughout this playoff run. He is a high risk/reward type of player so he has made some mistakes along the way. He has also had a few bad games. However, so has Murray, Crosby and everyone else on the team.

People, even Penguins fans, get too hung up on Letang's mistakes. Many seem to miss that he also covers up through his phenomenal skating ability and competitiveness countless mistakes made by others during games. Letang has also made several spectacular plays that have decided games in our favor. More to the point, his presence and threat has created so many opportunities for others to make big plays.

He is just a great hockey player.

I have always felt that Letang is a ridiculously underrated player. I never understood why people wanted to run him out of town a few years ago – I thought that was clinically insane. He is an absolute superstar and a major reason why we are one game away from lifting the Stanley Cup.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

The other choice would be Phil Kessel. How great would it be if he won the Conn Smythe Trophy?

I'm not sure that most people fully understand just how poorly he was treated in Toronto? The media up there has been merciless with him – especially after he was traded. They have done everything they can to smear that guy and all he has done is continue to produce big plays during the biggest moments of the biggest games.

I would dearly love for him to win playoff MVP! Also, I think he has a legitimate claim to it – as the team's top scorer in the playoffs.

The only knock against him from my standpoint is not really a criticism at all but it is reality. I know everyone loves the HBK line and I do too. That has been our best line throughout the playoffs and Kessel is the best player on that line and the primary reason it is so dangerous.

However, let's be real for a second. The reason they are getting so many opportunities is because they are playing against the opposing teams' weakest defenders at forward and on D.

Think about it for a second: if you were facing the Pittsburgh Penguins and your choices to beat you were the Crosby line, the Malkin line, or the Bonino line, who would you choose? Who would you take your chances with? Everyone would pick the HBK line and for good reason. That is the right decision.

If San Jose put Vlasic and Braun out there against the HBK line and left Dillon and Pollack to deal with Crosby, the results would be ugly from the Sharks' perspective. The same would be true if they did it with Geno's line. Basically, by rolling four legit lines – and three excellent scoring lines – Pittsburgh is just a nightmare match up for anyone.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

If the Penguins win on Thursday night, I predict that Sidney Crosby is going to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Personally, my choice would be Kris Letang. I think he has been phenomenal throughout this playoff run. He is a high risk/reward type of player so he has made some mistakes along the way. He has also had a few bad games. However, so has Murray and so has Crosby.

People, even Penguins fans, get too hung up on those mistakes. He has also made several spectacular plays that have decided games in our favor. More to the point, his presence and threat has created so many opportunities for others to make big plays.

I have always felt that Letang is a ridiculously underrated player. I never understood why people wanted to run him out of town a few years ago – I thought that was clinically insane. He is an absolute superstar and a major reason why we are one game away from lifting the Stanley Cup.

Well, he wasn't playing well, he was injured a lot, had the stroke and had a big contract. That is why people wanted him moved. No way for the Conn Smythe. He was horrid in Game 3. He has played good to great through the playoffs but he also has had some clunkers.

I would guess it is going to be Kessel, Murray or Sid. Depends on Game 5. Kessel gets a goal, or Murray limits them to a goal and it could be his.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

He did have a stroke and he did suffer other injuries. I get that part of it, I really do. However, I always thought the not playing well thing was grossly overstated. The entire team was breaking down defensively, not just him. You can only plug so many holes in the dike.

Don't get me wrong, he was not nearly perfect - nobody is. He made more than his share of mistakes too. However, at a certain point, to a lot of people, he became responsible for every single breakdown and that was wildly unfair and more importantly, it was incorrect analysis.

Also, Letang's contract was not that high for an elite defenseman. People usually counter that with, "He's not an elite defenseman;" or "He wasn't playing like an elite defenseman."

However, whenever you are playing the amount of minutes he plays per night, and has always played under multiple regimes, that should clue people in on what his coaches think of him. Nobody in their right mind would play an average or worse player 25 minutes per night like Pittsburgh has done for years with Letang.

Also, no coach in his right mind would consistently play him against the other teams' top lines, on its top power-play, its top penalty kill and have him out there in the biggest moments when they're trying to protect the lead if he was that poor of a player.

The Penguins have had multiple coaches that have deemed him the best D on the team - BY FAR - and that has been reflected in his responsibilities and ice time.

Honestly though, you are not alone. I would have this conversation all the time with other hockey fans – people who legitimately know what they're talking about – and I would sometimes wonder if we were watching the same player? I cannot ever recall having a more disparate opinion from the majority on any player in any sport than I did on Kris Letang. Where some people saw a mistake and injury prone overpaid player who needed to be traded, I saw a superstar who just needed some support.

I have always thought Letang has gotten a raw deal with too many in the hockey world – including some here in Pittsburgh. I still cannot believe that Jake Muzzin is on Team Canada for the World Cup of Hockey and Kris Letang is not. That seems like the most insane decision I have ever seen. Hell, I can't believe that Shea Weber is on Team Canada ahead of Letang. Both of those decisions are utterly ludicrous, IMO.

I think people ding him for his mistakes – which are at times glaring – but they don't credit him for the 300 other great plays he made before making that one mistake. I call that Troy Polamalu Syndrome.

Steelers fans would bemoan a mistake that Polamalu would make – usually in pass coverage – that led to a big gain against them. However, they failed to acknowledge the other 30 excellent plays he made to give them the lead in the first place. As with Letang, the trade-off was well worth it and just about every other team in the league would love to have that problem.

When Letang was paired with Maatta and people would talk about Maatta as the guy who covered up for Letang, I always found that job dropping and yet I kept hearing that garbage.

When I actually watched the games with my own two eyes what I was seeing over and over and over again was that it was the other way around. Maatta was beaten every which way a D can be beaten and it rarely resulted in anything because of Letang's tenacity and phenomenal skating ability.

I do think he is deserving of the Conn Smythe Trophy and I think it would be a perfect way to give a lot of people the middle finger for all the criticism – fair and (mostly) unfair – he has gotten over the years.

Frankly, I don't care who gets it. I just want to win one more game. However, my choice would be the team's top defenseman in a playoff run which has been defined by our ability to limit other teams' opportunities against us.

 

[Tiger Paul Lives]

I can't see it going to Letang either. While he has been good most of the time, he has actually hurt them too. In theory, if he makes the proper decision in game 4 on Wards goal, (backing off with the lead after nearing the end of a 4 minute penalty kill, instead of pushing up) the Cup could have been on the flight back home with the Penguins last night. I know, it was only one play, but it could have had a major series impact if the Sharks won last night.

Really, just splitting hairs here. They have played so well as a team, that it is almost unfair to have to pick just one player for MVP.

I have enjoyed listening to the Sharks post game interviews. They really are at a loss on how to handle the Pens. They keep repeating how close the games have been, but if you watched the series, it hasn't really been that close for much of the time. I just have this feeling that the flood gates are going to open up on Thursday and the Pens are going to cruise to a Stanley Cup, ala the Cup clinching game against Minnesota during their first cup.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I can't see it going to Letang either. While he has been good most of the time, he has actually hurt them too. In theory, if he makes the proper decision in game 4 on Wards goal, (backing off with the lead after nearing the end of a 4 minute penalty kill, instead of pushing up) the Cup could have been on the flight back home with the Penguins last night. I know, it was only one play, but it could have had a major series impact if the Sharks won last night.

Really, just splitting hairs here. They have played so well as a team, that it is almost unfair to have to pick just one player for MVP.

I have enjoyed listening to the Sharks post game interviews. They really are at a loss on how to handle the Pens. They keep repeating how close the games have been, but if you watched the series, it hasn't really been that close for much of the time. I just have this feeling that the flood gates are going to open up on Thursday and the Pens are going to cruise to a Stanley Cup, ala the Cup clinching game against Minnesota during their first cup.

Well I think it is important to snuff out any belief. Meaning, jump on the Sharks, the crowd will be frenzied, the Sharks may realize that it is fait accompli.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

I can't see it going to Letang either. While he has been good most of the time, he has actually hurt them too. In theory, if he makes the proper decision in game 4 on Wards goal, (backing off with the lead after nearing the end of a 4 minute penalty kill, instead of pushing up) the Cup could have been on the flight back home with the Penguins last night.

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about re: the Troy Polamalu Syndrome.

Crosby also made a big mistake on the play by making a blind drop pass in the middle of the ice - while shorthanded - instead of dumping the puck in the corner as he should've done 100 out of 100 times.

Murray allowed an unscreened goal from the blue line on that play - which was the biggest mistake anyone involved made on that play.

And yet, who was singled out? Kris Polamalu, er, Letang, that's who.

That is not to say that he made the right decision there. Clearly, he too made a poor decision there which eventually led to the game-tying goal for San Jose. However, if I were ranking them, I would rank his as the third biggest mistake on the play.

Also, he thwarted about 40 Sharks chances just before that.

Honestly, I think people are crazy the way they evaluate Letang's play. Many people miscast him as an "offensive defenseman" when in fact he is really a classic two-way defenseman with above-average offensive ability.

I think Letsng is a great, great hockey player and I also think he's the best defenseman in Penguins history (we did not have Coffey or Murphy in their respective primes) and I think he has a legitimate chance to make the Hockey Hall of Fame.

However, for some reason, many others just don't see it. It's weird, TBH but it is what it is.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

I have enjoyed listening to the Sharks post game interviews. They really are at a loss on how to handle the Pens. They keep repeating how close the games have been, but if you watched the series, it hasn't really been that close for much of the time. I just have this feeling that the flood gates are going to open up on Thursday and the Pens are going to cruise to a Stanley Cup, ala the Cup clinching game against Minnesota during their first cup.

I've really enjoyed these playoffs, but I still don't understand the philosophy of their dumping the puck as often as they do in the final 10 (or so) minutes with only a one goal lead. If I may use an admittedly imperfect football analogy, it's like watching the Steelers protecting a small lead in the fourth quarter by watching them run the ball into the line three times, then punting to put the game into the hands of their defense. Repeatedly.

When the Pens attack, they put San Jose back on their heels. But by dumping the puck so often, they're putting their defense in the position of having to be "perfect" - and as we saw two games ago, that hasn't always worked.

Yeah, I'm nitpicking. But I'd rather go down playing aggressively than trying to block the barrage of shots that they're sure to see in the final minutes.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about re: the Troy Polamalu Syndrome.

Crosby also made a big mistake on the play by making a blind drop pass in the middle of the ice - while shorthanded - instead of dumping the puck in the corner as he should've done 100 out of 100 times.

Murray allowed an unscreened goal from the blue line on that play - which was the biggest mistake anyone involved made on that play.

And yet, who was singled out? Kris Polamalu, er, Letang, that's who.

That is not to say that he made the right decision there. Clearly, he too made a poor decision there which eventually led to the game-tying goal for San Jose. However, if I were ranking them, I would rank his as the third biggest mistake on the play.

Also, he thwarted about 40 Sharks chances just before that.

Honestly, I think people are crazy the way they evaluate how guy plays. I think he's a great, great hockey player. I think he's the best defenseman in Penguins history (we did not have Coffey or Murphy in their respective primes) and I think he has a legitimate chance to make the Hockey Hall of Fame. However, for some reason, many others just don't see it. It's weird, TBH but it is what it is.

No, I just think you have hypersensitivity for any Letang criticism. He looked a little out of it the entire Game 3, that I was worried he was hurt.

 

[yourhired]

I would choose Kessel he has been consistent the entire playoffs it's a close call over Murray. Maybe co conn smythe.

 

[Tiger Paul Lives]

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about re: the Troy Polamalu Syndrome.

Crosby also made a big mistake on the play by making a blind drop pass in the middle of the ice - while shorthanded - instead of dumping the puck in the corner as he should've done 100 out of 100 times.

Murray allowed an unscreened goal from the blue line on that play - which was the biggest mistake anyone involved made on that play.

And yet, who was singled out? Kris Polamalu, er, Letang, that's who.

That is not to say that he made the right decision there. Clearly, he too made a poor decision there which eventually led to the game-tying goal for San Jose. However, if I were ranking them, I would rank his as the third biggest mistake on the play.

Also, he thwarted about 40 Sharks chances just before that.

Honestly, I think people are crazy the way they evaluate Letang's play. Many people miscast him as an "offensive defenseman" when in fact he is really a classic two-way defenseman with above-average offensive ability.

I think Letsng is a great, great hockey player and I also think he's the best defenseman in Penguins history (we did not have Coffey or Murphy in their respective primes) and I think he has a legitimate chance to make the Hockey Hall of Fame.

However, for some reason, many others just don't see it. It's weird, TBH but it is what it is.

I don't disagree with you on Letang being a great hockey player and I will admit, I have not heard this same criticism of him that you have during this year. I was only replying to him getting the Conn Smythe. The best thing Letang has done for his game is stay out of the penalty box. He is useless in there. He was showing signs of unraveling in the earlier series, but has definitely settled down. Personally, I thought Daly was their best defenseman before he was hurt. He has definitely been a nice surprise and great addition. The power play ran much better once he arrived.

 

[pittmeister]

No Kessel = No Championship

Kessel has been consistently good throughout the playoffs...

 

[pbrad]

this is really a tough one, but I would go with Murray. Actually, if you could give it to a group, it would be the defense. This bunch of no names, under the radar group has been excellent as a whole throughout and have made Murray's job easier. Not easy, but easier.

If I am looking at offense, it has to go to Kessel and for overall effort, Crosby. Didn't he have 3 game winners in the Tampa series.

To this point, it has been such a team effort, there really hasn't been that absolute standout for the Pens.

It will be really interesting to see who is chosen if the Pens win this. Hopefully they do it at home on Thursday night.

I prefer to wait until they win the 4th game before giving trophies. I remember when they were up 3-0 on the Islanders and lost the series.

 

[88Pitt88]

No Kessel = No Championship

Kessel has been consistently good throughout the playoffs...

Agree! I would argue that Phil Kessel's play, especially in the playoffs, has been the biggest difference maker that separates this team from it's prior failures this time of year. I think he is the most deserving. If not him then Matt Murray, his run has been amazing.

Regardless of who captures the award, I have to tell you this has been an amazing run, and every player in a penguin sweater has been instrumental in the achievement. While players like Rust, Sheary, Fair, Lovejoy, Hagelin, and others have no shot at it, it doesn't diminish their importance to the team. Frankly, I cannot name one Penguin player who had a bad playoff! What a great run! Finish them Thursday night! Go Pens!

 

[yourhired]

Long time penguin fans remember the hard times. Stinking Eddie Westfall and Chico Resch.

 

[Jpripper88]

Agree! I would argue that Phil Kessel's play, especially in the playoffs, has been the biggest difference maker that separates this team from it's prior failures this time of year. I think he is the most deserving. If not him then Matt Murray, his run has been amazing.

Regardless of who captures the award, I have to tell you this has been an amazing run, and every player in a penguin sweater has been instrumental in the achievement. While players like Rust, Sheary, Fair, Lovejoy, Hagelin, and others have no shot at it, it doesn't diminish their importance to the team. Frankly, I cannot name one Penguin player who had a bad playoff! What a great run! Finish them Thursday night! Go Pens!

And they can bring back the entire team if they want. Only questions are really: Cullen (retirement), Lovejoy (FA), and any trades they would decide to make. Pretty nice position to be in. Especially when they could bring everyone back, but also trade MAF and get an impactful addition.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

You know, especially with a big game 5, you can almost make a case for Nick Bonino as much as anyone else. Just a thought. He has been OWTstanding.

 

[tps48]

this is really a tough one, but I would go with Murray. Actually, if you could give it to a group, it would be the defense. This bunch of no names, under the radar group has been excellent as a whole throughout and have made Murray's job easier. Not easy, but easier.

If I am looking at offense, it has to go to Kessel and for overall effort, Crosby. Didn't he have 3 game winners in the Tampa series.

To this point, it has been such a team effort, there really hasn't been that absolute standout for the Pens.

It will be really interesting to see who is chosen if the Pens win this. Hopefully they do it at home on Thursday night.

Phil Kessel

 

[bubba31]

My vote would be for Kessel but Crosby will win it

And that is perfectly fine.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about re: the Troy Polamalu Syndrome.

Crosby also made a big mistake on the play by making a blind drop pass in the middle of the ice - while shorthanded - instead of dumping the puck in the corner as he should've done 100 out of 100 times.

Murray allowed an unscreened goal from the blue line on that play - which was the biggest mistake anyone involved made on that play.

And yet, who was singled out? Kris Polamalu, er, Letang, that's who.

That is not to say that he made the right decision there. Clearly, he too made a poor decision there which eventually led to the game-tying goal for San Jose. However, if I were ranking them, I would rank his as the third biggest mistake on the play.

Also, he thwarted about 40 Sharks chances just before that.

Honestly, I think people are crazy the way they evaluate Letang's play. Many people miscast him as an "offensive defenseman" when in fact he is really a classic two-way defenseman with above-average offensive ability.

I think Letsng is a great, great hockey player and I also think he's the best defenseman in Penguins history (we did not have Coffey or Murphy in their respective primes) and I think he has a legitimate chance to make the Hockey Hall of Fame.

However, for some reason, many others just don't see it. It's weird, TBH but it is what it is.

Letang is singled out on that play because he is a DEFENSEMEN.

He's. 90/10 player...90% excellent and 10% boneheaded.
The 90 is worth the 10.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Okay, but Murray is a GOALTENDER and his play there was way worse than the other two.

A lot of people grossly underrate Kris Letang. I think he is one of the top five defensemen in the world and we are damn lucky to have him.

 

[Bethlehemjohn]

Kessel for me. His marksmanship has been very, very important.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Okay, but Murray is a GOALTENDER and his play there was way worse than the other two.

A lot of people grossly underrate Kris Letang. I think he is one of the top five defensemen in the world and we are damn lucky to have him.

He didn't make Team Canada which is absurd. Laughable. I also think he is a Top 5 Defenseman. Honestly, long playoff run, all his minutes, I am kind of glad he isn't going to Team Canada to help preserve him next year. And Kessel not making Team USA is even a bigger joke, but again.....they are going to have a day with the Cup this summer, I am not thinking Brandon Dubinsky or Ryan Callahan has that same opportunity.

 

[PhPanther1]

Kessel should walk away with the Conn Smythe, even if he doesn't play Thursday.

People voting for Crosby and Letang should be embarassed. Crosby was invisible for more than 50% of the games. Save me all the "little stuff" bs. He's a $9 million player who doesn't kill penalties....he needs to be putting the puck in the net. Letang, while having all the talent in the world has the mental makeup of a 3 year old girl.

The top 3 are Kessel, Murray and Bonino. Murray really hasn't stolen any games like other Conn Smythe winning goalies Quick or Thomas. Bonino really should get more consideration, but Kessel gets all the headlines from that line.

 

[PhPanther1]

Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Victor Hedman, Mark Giordano...then a close cluster of Letang, Subban, Karlsson, Eckman-Larson, Pietrangelo are how I would rank the D. Gostisphere and Seth Jones will be joining this party in a few years.

 

[PhPanther1]

I've really enjoyed these playoffs, but I still don't understand the philosophy of their dumping the puck as often as they do in the final 10 (or so) minutes with only a one goal lead. If I may use an admittedly imperfect football analogy, it's like watching the Steelers protecting a small lead in the fourth quarter by watching them run the ball into the line three times, then punting to put the game into the hands of their defense. Repeatedly.

When the Pens attack, they put San Jose back on their heels. But by dumping the puck so often, they're putting their defense in the position of having to be "perfect" - and as we saw two games ago, that hasn't always worked.

Yeah, I'm nitpicking. But I'd rather go down playing aggressively than trying to block the barrage of shots that they're sure to see in the final minutes.

It really doesn't work as well for us, because we're not that strong defensively. They are falling back playing a trap defense, which is supposed to stifle you in the neutral zone forcing you to dump in, which in turn gives you possession. You then take possession, get the red and dump it back in forcing another 30 seconds off the clock. We struggle with it because we go at them with 1 half hearted forechecker and give up the neutral zone too easy. Go back and watch the devils, panthers, red wings etc play it. It's a pain in the ass and works 9 times out of 10....we're just not built for it to be able to do it for 20 minutes like we have been. I think we should continue to attack with 2 forecheckers for the first 10 min, wear them down maybe sneak another goal in, then clog up the neutral zone the final 10. But they're gonna win the cup, so I guess something has gone right....

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Victor Hedman, Mark Giordano...then a close cluster of Letang, Subban, Karlsson, Eckman-Larson, Pietrangelo are how I would rank the D. Gostisphere and Seth Jones will be joining this party in a few years.

I would put Letang up with the first group. I mean hell, our Dcorps is pretty mediocre not including him. I would think also Aaron Ekblad will soon be in that "next group".

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Kessel. His ability to generate a large volume of opportunities is what the team has been missing. Heck, he seems to put the puck on goal almost every other time down the ice. Toronto should be embarrassed for running him out of town the way they did (they have plenty else to be embarrassed about, too).

 

[lilspainishflea]

Kessel has played against "worse" lines being on our 3rd line and all but he's been absolutely electric and has capitalized in seemingly every game in every series.

Crosby has been excellent, and there have been some plays of his that have been otherwordly, but I don't think he's done it as consistently as Kessel. Sid might win anyway since it's close and he's the Captain/name brand. I wouldn't be too upset by that, but I think it should be Phil Kessel.

 

[Jpripper88]

He didn't make Team Canada which is absurd. Laughable. I also think he is a Top 5 Defenseman. Honestly, long playoff run, all his minutes, I am kind of glad he isn't going to Team Canada to help preserve him next year. And Kessel not making Team USA is even a bigger joke, but again.....they are going to have a day with the Cup this summer, I am not thinking Brandon Dubinsky or Ryan Callahan has that same opportunity.

Yeah, I'd rather our guys get snubbed. We need them next year.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Victor Hedman, Mark Giordano...then a close cluster of Letang, Subban, Karlsson, Eckman-Larson, Pietrangelo are how I would rank the D. Gostisphere and Seth Jones will be joining this party in a few years.

Keith and Doughty are both great. I like Hedman and Pietrangelo too. Both of those guys are very good D-men. Letang is as good or better as the latter two and everyone else listed.

Erik Karlsson is the single most overrated player in the NHL. He is basically a slightly better version of Mike Green during his prime with the Capitals.

It is one thing to be an offensive-minded defenseman, it is something altogether different to be a rover who doesn't even bother to play in his own end. Karlsson is a pure rover. He tries to pick off passes in the neutral zone. If that fails, he will try to poke check the puck carrier. If that fails, it's, "Good luck, goaltender. I'll be in the neutral zone if you need me."

How can you be the top defenseman in the NHL – or among the top defensemen in the NHL – and always be a minus or low plus player? I understand having a bad year but every year?

How can a multiple time Norris Trophy winner anchor what is annually the NHL's worst defense?

This year, for example, he recorded 82 points. That would appear to be a phenomenal season. However, it takes on a COMPLETELY different light when you consider that he was also -2.

You can't win with that guy. He is incredibly overrated.

Subban is better than Karlsson but he can be a disaster in his own end too. If those two guys didn't place for Canadian franchises, nobody would think twice about them.

Finally, the more I see of Shea Weber, the less impressed I am. I know he has a wicked slapshot and all that but he is also very slow footed and makes a lot of questionable decisions with the puck.

In their Game 7 loss at San Jose, Weber was BY FAR the worst player on the ice for either team. That game was not an aberration. He looked horrible.

Every time I watch Nashville play I come away underwhelmed by No. 6 in the gold uniform. I don't even think he's the best defensive player on his own team. I think Roman Jossi is the Preds' best defenseman.

If I were Nashville, I would trade Weber for a good top six forward and a prospect – preferably a centerman.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Keith and Doughty are both great. I like Hedman and Pietrangelo too. Both of those guys are very good D-men. Letang is as good or better as the latter two and everyone else listed.

Erik Karlsson is the single most overrated player in the NHL. He is basically a slightly better version of Mike Green during his prime with the Capitals.

It is one thing to be an offensive-minded defenseman, it is something altogether different to be a rover who doesn't even bother to play in his own end. Karlsson is a pure rover. He tries to pick off passes in the neutral zone. If that fails, he will try to poke check the puck carrier. If that fails, it's, "Good luck, goaltender. I'll be in the neutral zone if you need me."

How can you be the top defenseman in the NHL – or among the top defensemen in the NHL – and always be a minus or low plus player? I understand having a bad year but every year?

How can a multiple time Norris Trophy winner anchor what is annually the NHL's worst defense?

This year, for example, he recorded 82 points. That would appear to be a phenomenal season. However, it takes on a COMPLETELY different light when you consider that he was also -2.

You can't win with that guy. He is incredibly overrated.

Subban is better than Karlsson but he can be a disaster in his own end too. If those two guys didn't place for Canadian franchises, nobody would think twice about them.

Finally, the more I see of Shea Weber, the less impressed I am. I know he has a wicked slapshot and all that but he is also very slow footed and makes a lot of questionable decisions with the puck.

In their Game 7 loss at San Jose, Weber was BY FAR the worst player on the ice for either team. That game was not an aberration. He looked horrible.

Every time I watch Nashville play I come away underwhelmed by No. 6 in the gold uniform. I don't even think he's the best defensive player on his own team. I think Roman Jossi is the Preds' best defenseman.

If I were Nashville, I would trade Weber for a good top six forward and a prospect – preferably a centerman.

I just read one of your last lines and totally agree. Weber is still good but on the decline. But I would take Roman Jossi over Weber everyday.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

How can you be the top defenseman in the NHL – or among the top defensemen in the NHL – and always be a minus or low plus player? I understand having a bad year but every year?

I'm not disagreeing with your overall point, but if you are going to argue the quote above then isn't it kind of odd that you are doing it in defense of a guy who has been a combined +13 (+9, +12 and -8) in this last three seasons?

 

[NCanton Panther]

Okay, but Murray is a GOALTENDER and his play there was way worse than the other two.

A lot of people grossly underrate Kris Letang. I think he is one of the top five defensemen in the world and we are damn lucky to have him.

I have to agree with the Dr on this. 3 guys at fault on Ward's tying goal and I think Murray and Crosby were more at fault than Letang. Biggest blame has to go to Murray, that was a horrible goal to let in by him.

From all the responses herein, would also have to agree with the Dr that Letang appears to be grossly under-appreciated.

 

[NCanton Panther]

Kessel should walk away with the Conn Smythe, even if he doesn't play Thursday.

People voting for Crosby and Letang should be embarassed. Crosby was invisible for more than 50% of the games. Save me all the "little stuff" bs. He's a $9 million player who doesn't kill penalties....he needs to be putting the puck in the net. Letang, while having all the talent in the world has the mental makeup of a 3 year old girl.

The top 3 are Kessel, Murray and Bonino. Murray really hasn't stolen any games like other Conn Smythe winning goalies Quick or Thomas. Bonino really should get more consideration, but Kessel gets all the headlines from that line.

I agree with the choice of Kessel. But I think you are way to harsh on Crosby. He has been far from invisible. He'd be my second choice.

I'd have a hard time going with Murray as many have because of the simple fact that he hasn't even been the best goalie on the ice, most definitely not in the Tampa series and maybe also in this San Jose series.

 

[melwood]

this is really a tough one, but I would go with Murray. Actually, if you could give it to a group, it would be the defense. This bunch of no names, under the radar group has been excellent as a whole throughout and have made Murray's job easier. Not easy, but easier.

If I am looking at offense, it has to go to Kessel and for overall effort, Crosby. Didn't he have 3 game winners in the Tampa series.

To this point, it has been such a team effort, there really hasn't been that absolute standout for the Pens.

It will be really interesting to see who is chosen if the Pens win this. Hopefully they do it at home on Thursday night.

I'll hedge my bets: I say Letang gets it UNLESS...Kessel gets 2 OR Murray pitches a shutout. My rank: 1) Letang, 2) Kessel, 3) Murray...

 

[pbrad]

It's beginning to look like Matt.................Jones.