2024 Stanley Cup Final: Points Leaders & Conn Smythe Favorites – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

The two Stanley Cup finalists have now been decided. The Edmonton Oilers will take on the Florida Panthers in what promises to be an exciting series. With the Panthers being the most punished team in the postseason and the Oilers boasting perhaps the best power play unit, the outcome is anyone's guess. As we look forward to the Stanley Cup Finals, the question of who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy arises. Who will take home the top prize from both teams?

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The competition should be fierce. Recent biases and/or dominant Finals times can greatly influence the decision. Will the legacy of Connor McDavid or the best game of Aleksander Barkov prevail? The betting line favors Barkov, but it can only happen if the Panthers win the series. An outstanding performance by many players in the final could change everything. Only time will tell who will be crowned the Conn Smythe winner in the ultimate postseason action.

The Conn Smythe Trophy is one of the most important presented each NHL season

In the video below, the discussion turns to who might be the favorites in the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy. It may be an individual honor for hockey. As noted, McDavid and Barkov are probably the most obvious rivals on each team. Each presents an attractive situation for attention.

McDavid stands out as the Oilers' best forward, with his exceptional talent and name recognition solidifying his position. His performance could cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of this generation, especially if the Oilers win it all. Despite previous injury setbacks, his potential impact remains significant.

The outstanding contributions of teammate Leon Draisaitl also complement McDavid's excellence. In contrast, Zach Hyman emerges as a dark horse champion. His scoring prowess has put him in a good position to make history. If he can put on a dominant showing in the Stanley Cup Finals – like scoring a few goals, he could jump into serious Conn Smythe contention.

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On the Panthers side, Barkov's outstanding play and leadership throughout the playoffs solidified his bid for the award. He has been incredibly consistent in his performance and has earned a respectable reputation within the league. That said, a good play by another Panthers pitcher could change the momentum of the Conn Smythe race.

Heading To The Stanley Cup Finals, Who Are Each Team's Leading Scorers?

Edmonton Oilers' Highlights

Connor McDavid: McDavid was a dominant force for the Oilers, leading the team in scoring with 18 goals and eight assists, including 26 points in the playoffs. His ability to create offense, shown by his 143 shots and a shooting percentage of 12.59%, has been huge in the team's success.

Leon Draisaitl: Draisaitl also contributed to the Oilers' playoff run, contributing 10 goals and 18 assists, including 28 points. Despite a low shooting percentage of 5.71%, his playmaking skills and high shooting volume (175 shots) were factors in the team's offensive production.

Evan Bouchard: As a defenseman, Bouchard made a big impact from the blue line, scoring six goals and dishing out 21 assists, for a total of 27 points. His ability to create effective scoring opportunities, evident in his 18.18% shooting percentage, has added another dimension to the Oilers' offensive arsenal.

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Zach Hyman: Hyman emerged as a key player with his impressive scoring ability, scoring 14 goals and adding four assists for 18 points. He has been a key asset to the Oilers' playoff success, with a shooting percentage of 23.68% and a key output from 76 shots.

McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and Hyman showed exceptional skill and efficiency, driving the Oilers' play off success with remarkable scoring.

Key Goals for the Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk: Tkachuk leads the Panthers in scoring with five goals and 14 assists, accumulating 19 points in the playoffs. His ability to create scoring opportunities, shown by his 46 shots and shooting percentage of 10.87%, has been great in driving the team's offensive efforts.

Carter Verhaeghe: Verhaeghe was the best player for the Panthers, scoring nine goals and eight assists for 17 points. He has been a force on the ice, with an impressive shooting percentage of 31.03% and a great offensive output from just 29 shots.

Aleksander Barkov: Barkov also had a big impact, scoring six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. His ability to score effectively is reflected in his shooting percentage of 16.22%. Combined with his leadership and two-way play, he was vital to the Panthers' success in the playoffs.

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Tkachuk, Verhaeghe, and Barkov led the offense for the Panthers throughout the playoffs, showing off their scoring prowess and playmaking ability.

Essentials of Conn Smythe Trophy Candidates

As the Stanley Cup Final approaches, the anticipation of who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy should be exciting. With players like McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Barkov showcasing their exceptional skills and leading their teams to the pinnacle of hockey success, the competition for the coveted award is fierce.

Not only will the competition between Edmonton and Florida be tough, but the race to see who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy will also be interesting. There are many good candidates, and one of them will probably lead their team to the Stanley Cup. It's going to be a fun series.

Who will emerge as the champion team, and who will take home the Conn Smythe Trophy? Fans will soon watch this exciting fight.