Pittsburgh Penguins Candidates for the Conn Smythe

Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Conn Smythe Trophy after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the Conn Smythe Trophy after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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May 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) carries the puck past Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) during the first period in game two of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) carries the puck past Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) during the first period in game two of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Crosby

In 2016, captain Sidney Crosby earned his first Conn Smythe.  Could he do it again? If Crosby or Malkin earn it, they would join elite company.  Only five players have earned two playoff MVPs since the league started awarding the Conn Smythe in 1965.  Crosby would also join Mario Lemieux as a back to back winner.

Crosby is second in points behind Malkin with 22.  He has 7 goals and 15 points, averaging 1.10 points per game.  He has done this while missing one game for a concussion and on most nights, he has been smothered by opposing team defenses.

We’ll see what happens the rest of the series, but if Crosby equals or surpasses Malkin in points it will definitely be a tough choice between the two outstanding centermen.