The Stanley Cup is widely considered the toughest trophy to win in all of sports, but the Conn Smythe Trophy given to the NHL playoffs MVP is the highest type of hardware a player can earn. When it comes to chances on which guy will acquire the 2019 Conn Smythe Trophy, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask is the overwhelming favorite.
Rask is the -120 front-runner to market the hardware at BetOnline, together with Jaden Schwartz (+325), Jordan Binnington (+350), Brad Marchand (+700), Patrice Bergeron (+1800), David Pastrnak (+2000), Vladimir Tarasenko (+2000), Alex Pietrangelo (+2500), Charlie Coyle (+3000) and David Krejci (+3000) rounding out the top 10.
Is it Tuukka Time?
Rask has set the Bruins on his back in a lot of games up to now through three rounds, along with his 12-5 SU album, 1.84 goals-against average and .942 save percent have B’s supporters reminiscing about Tim Thomas’ unlikely run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
Rask, who’s been the subject of scrutiny among Boston media and fans alike for not living up to his pricey contract, has set those questions to bed at the Bruins’ run to the Cup. Los Angeles’ Jonathan Quick has been the previous goaltender to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012, nevertheless Rask could easily buck that trend this time around.
Don’t forget about O’Reilly
I’m a little surprised to see Blues center Ryan O’Reilly all the way down the record at +4000. O’Reilly ranks second on the Blues at postseason scoring with three goals and 11 assists, but he’s been far and away the very best forwards on the Blues because the beginning of the regular season. The Conn Smythe Trophy does not factor in regular-season success, but if O’Reilly can continue to excel at the Cup Final, I can see him getting the nod.
Blues rookie netminder Jordan Binnington’s run from minor-league afterthought to superstardom has been nothing short of amazing, and simply put, St. Louis probably wouldn’t have made the playoffs with him. The Blues were the worst team in the NHL on January 3 and took off when head coach Craig Berube handed the reins of the starting goaltender job to Binnington.
His stats aren’t as eye-popping as Rask’s (12-7, 2.37 GAA, .914 SV%) but he’s been rock-solid for the Blues when they have needed him the most. Even at +350, I believe he’s somewhat undervalued.

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