Conn Smythe Watch: As Quick’s coronation is delayed, Brodeur states MVP case

The morning after each Stanley Cup Final game, Puck Daddy will break down the field for the 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.

1. Jon Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Quick is still in line to win MVP honors when — or "if", for the delusional optimists out there — the Kings win the Stanley Cup. After this Game 4 loss, Quick's GAA is at 1.39 and his save percentage is .948 — statistically, one of the greatest postseasons a goalie has put together in playoff history.

2. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Kopitar kept pace for the playoff scoring lead with an assist on Drew Doughty's goal. He now has 19 points, is a plus-14 and that OT game-winner in Game 1.

3. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Brodeur was great in Game 4, with sprawling saves and clutch stops in a 23-save effort. His GAA is 2.04 and he has a .921 save percentage. Without question, the Devils player that has kept them thriving in these playoffs. He called out his offense before the game, and they responded.

4. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Doughty scored his fourth of the playoffs in the Game 4 loss, moving his point total to 14. He's a plus-12 and is skating 26:05 per night.

5. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils

Kovalchuk looked like a liability for most of Game 4, but Pete DeBoer skated him 20:28 and Kovalchuk had eight shot attempts, including four on goal. His empty netter was his eighth goal of the playoffs, as he's tied for the postseason lead in points and goals with Kopitar.

6. Adam Henrique, New Jersey Devils

'Stache power! The Devils rookie scored the game-winning goal in Game 4, to go along with his previous OT heroics against the Rangers and Panthers. A few more key offensive moments in the Final in a Devils' miracle rally, and Henrique could be a Conn dark horse.

7. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings

Brown has 17 points in the playoffs and is a plus-15, but his goal-less streak has reached eight games (although he has four assists in that stretch).

8. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings

The Kings center had a helper on the Doughty goal to give him 13 points for the postseason, but he was a minus-2 in Game 4.

9. Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings

Carter was a minus-3 in Game 4, and kept off the scoresheet. But his offensive contributions in the playoffs (6 goals, 5 assists) have him on this list.

10. Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

Parise was scoreless again, but earned a plus-rating for the first time in six games. Parise has gone five games without a point, but remains sixth in the playoffs with 14 points.