Ryan O’Halloran, sports reporter: The NHL awards the Conn Smythe to the overall playoff most valuable player, not just the final round so the entire body of work must be considered. My choice is Avs center Nathan MacKinnon. Entering Friday’s Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, he leads the Avalanche in goals (12), in ice time among forwards (21:18), has been terrific on the power play (six goals) and played a disciplined game (eight penalty minutes). His value is apparent even when he doesn’t score — once those after-burners are turned on, it creates time and space for his teammates.
Stanley Cup Final Game 5 debate: Which Avalanche player should win the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP?
