Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe Trophy in Losing Effort – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid had already set a career record with 34 assists this season, and his 42 points ranked fourth-best, trailing only Wayne Gretzky’s two playoff feats (47 points in 1986 and 43 in 1988) and Mario Lemieux (44 in 1991).

He became the first player to post consecutive games of at least four points in the Stanley Cup Final to help Edmonton rally from 3-0 down to win Games 4 and 5.

Winning the Conn Smythe without winning the trophy is not unheard of. Previously, five players from losing teams have won the trophy since it was first awarded in 1965: Jean-Sebastien Giguere (2003 Anaheim Mighty Ducks), Ron Hextall (1987 Philadelphia Flyers), Reggie Leach (1976 Flyers), Glenn Hall (1968 St. Louis Blues ) and Roger Crozier (1966 Detroit Red Wings).

McDavid’s record-breaking playoff run helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 18 years and win a franchise-record four games while facing elimination in the postseason.

He is the second skater to win the award after not winning the trophy, following Leach of the Flyers in 1976.