Some Early NHL Playoff MVP Considerations
Tuesday May 14, 2013 : Some Early NHL Playoff MVP Considerations
It is a little early to start considering NHL playoff MVPs, but the we like to have a little fun once in a while and try to speculate on these kinds of things. To this point, these playoffs have been some of the most interesting to watch in a long time. Teams are starting to learn that a little desperation and tough play in the corners can go a long way. But the place that these series are mostly getting decided is in front of the net.
As the first round of the playoffs comes to an end, let’s speculate a little on who the sports betting experts think could be early considerations for the playoff MVP. Remember that some of these players may not even make it out of the first round, but these are the guys that have been carrying their teams to this point.
Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers
If the New York Rangers really wanted to do goaltender Henrik Lundqvist a favor, they would trade him to a team that could score some goals. King Henrik plays defense all by himself and is one of the main reasons why the New York Rangers are competitive in their series with the Washington Capitals. We always feel bad for Lundqvist as he is continually surrounded by high-paid offensive talent that consistently underperforms in the playoffs.
Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Henrik Lundqvist is the reason why the Rangers are competitive in the playoffs, but Alexander Ovechkin will be the reason that the Washington Capitals will win in the playoffs. Everyone still consider Ovechkin to be one of the most selfish players in hockey, but he is carrying the Capitals to a first round win in these playoffs.
Jonathan Quick – Los Angeles Kings
When you are a good hockey player, you have flashes of brilliance that helps your team to win. When you are a great hockey player, your brilliance is consistent. Goaltender Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings is a great goaltender. The St. Louis Blues do not score a lot of goals normally, the Blues are really having problems getting anything past Quick ever since Los Angeles started winning games in this series. Now that Quick is in his playoff groove, it is hard to bet against the Kings to win their second Stanley Cup title in a row.
Jimmy Howard – Detroit Red Wings
The NHL playoff MVP is not supposed to be a sentimental award, but if it was, it would already be given to goaltender Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings. Howard has been under siege in his goal crease for the entire series with the Anaheim Ducks. He has been run over, knocked down and probably called a lot of bad names as well. But he hangs in there and gives his team a chance to win. Howard is not the best goalie in the NHL by a long shot. But he is showing that he is definitely one of the toughest.
