The Panther
Registered User
I agree Malkin earned it, but I disagree that Crosby was ahead going into the Finals. Malkin's most dominant performance was against Carolina in the 3rd round sweep. In that Conference Final series, Crosby went:Crosby was IMO, ahead of Malkin for the Conn going into the Finals in 09 but Malkin clearly earned it when all was said and done.
2G 5A 7PTS +6
Quite great, but then check Malkin's stats:
6G 3A 9PTS +5
Crosby certainly had a Conn Smythe-worthy playoff in 2009. There's no doubt about it. But the award usually -- and correctly -- goes to the player who was more dominant in the Finals and/or as the playoffs progressed. Crosby was more dominant against Washington in the second round; Malkin much more so against Carolina and Malkin somewhat so against Detroit. So, Malkin deserved it.