Conn Smythe Power Rankings: Blackhawks' Keith carries torch through Round 1

The Conn Smythe trophy conversation doesn’t begin in earnest until the two teams in contention for the big prize emerge, bandaged and bruised, from their respective conferences. 

But with so many brilliant performances already witnessed in the first round, why not pinpoint those blazing a trail for their clubs and earning a leg up on the field in the process?

1) Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

With the benefit of five overtime periods in Chicago’s first-round triumph over the Nashville Predators, Keith leads all postseason performers in per-game ice time, skating more than 32 minutes each night.

In his three-plus hours, Keith tallied three goals, seven points and claimed two game-winners. His first came in the form of a double-overtime dagger, and his second a series-decider in Game 6.  

2) Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

Half the size, double the output. The Lightning's diminutive second-line center loomed large over the Red Wings, finishing Round 1 with twice as many goals than any player remaining in the tournament. 

His six goals, to go along with a lone helper, gave the Bolts a fighting chance in a series that was slipping away from a slumping Steven Stamkos and an unsure Ben Bishop.

3a) Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Looking like a man refreshed, Lundqvist began his 2015 postseason run on pace to surpass his masterful numbers from last year.

He was brilliant in all four Rangers victories, beaten only once in each, but his best work came with an opportunity to advance New York in Game 5. He stopped 37-of-38 shots faced into overtime. 

3b) Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Lundqvist may have been done and rested a few nights prior to Price, but it’s splitting hairs when comparing the two top netminders through Round 1.

New York’s offensive concerns are well-documented, but the Blueshirts provided their goaltender with more offensive support than the Canadiens did Price - and with far less protection. Price saw 66 additional shots in the round, and finished with an identical save percentage to that of Lundqvist.

4) Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks 

After a dominant performance versus the Winnipeg Jets, the vexing Ducks star sits just one point off the scoring lead – and has been on the couch for a week.

With a blend of immense skill and an exasperating persona, Perry might be the only player in the tournament capable of scoring highlight reel goals and infuriating players enough to be punched in the back of the head afterwards.

5) Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild

Keying the most productive line in the playoffs, Parise scored three goals and seven points in the Wild’s four triumphs over the Blues.

He provided a multi-goal effort with the series to be had in Game 6, which included slipping past Kevin Shattenkirk with short-handed speed and beating Jake Allen from an impossible angle.

In the hunt

• Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks - leads all remaining skaters with eight points
• Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks - totaled five points and won 63 percent of his draws
• Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals - Owns an atypically even stat line with three goals and as many helpers
• Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals - Caps are in the second round on the shoulders of his Herculean moments