Ranking the top 10 Conn Smythe Trophy candidates

May 3, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson (9) stretches during the warmup period in game two of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) plays puck during the first period in game two against the Minnesota Wild of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

94. Duncan Keith is trying to become the 10th defenseman to win the Conn Smythe, and the first since Anaheim’s Scott Niedermayer back in 2007. Keith has been the unquestioned best and most valuable defenseman in the postseason this year, and he’s even been contributing on the offensive end. Keith began the postseason with an overtime winner against Nashville to give Chicago a leg up in the competitive series. He has two goals this postseason and both were game-winners. His offense has been on par with the likes of Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin – the two best scorers in the NHL – with 11 points in 12 games. On top of that, his defense has been even better than the regular season, playing more than 30 minutes a night – the second highest in the postseason and nearly six minutes better than players still active. And that was before he played 49:51 in Chicago’s triple overtime win at Anaheim on Tuesday night, the longest game in Blackhawks history.. Defenseman. Chicago Blackhawks. Duncan Keith. 5. player

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