An annual award “to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs.” Winner selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association at the conclusion of the final game in the Stanley Cup Final. History: Presented by Maple Leaf Gardens Limited in 1964 to honor Conn Smythe, the former coach, manager, president and owner-governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy. His leadership, featuring strong two-way play and clutch scoring, helped the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. Crosby collected 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 24 playoff games, and had four assists in the Final - including one on Conor Sheary ’s overtime winner in game two and two more when Pittsburgh won the Cup in game six. He scored three game-winning goals, including one in overtime, against Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Final and had eight points against the Rangers in five games in the first round of the playoffs. Even so, it was Crosby’s strong overall play that earned him playoff MVP honors. He averaged 20:26 of ice time during the postseason and won 52.4 percent of his faceoffs while helping to neutralize his opponents’ top scorers.

The Conn Smythe Trophy was introduced in 1964 by Maple Leaf Gardens Limited to honor Conn Smythe, the former owner, general manager, and coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder.