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In a remarkable feat, Jonathan Marchessault, one of the original members of the Vegas Golden Knights, has been awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 NHL playoffs. Marchessault emerged as a dominant force, tying for the lead in playoff goals with 13 and finishing second in points with 25, just behind his teammate Jack Eichel.
Initially, Marchessault was not part of the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy, having contributed only two assists in the first seven playoff games. However, he quickly ignited his performance and amassed points at an astonishing rate. In the last 15 games, Marchessault netted 13 goals and assisted in 10 more.
During the Stanley Cup Final alone, Marchessault delivered an outstanding performance, accumulating four goals and four assists. His exceptional play against the Panthers solidified his bid for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
The significance of this achievement was magnified by the fact that Marchessault, who had gone undrafted from junior hockey, achieved this honor by triumphing over his former team in the Stanley Cup Final. In the 2016-17 season, Marchessault played for the Panthers and tallied an impressive 51 points in 75 games.
Following that season, the Panthers exposed Marchessault in the expansion draft, allowing the Golden Knights to select him. Six years later, Marchessault seized his opportunity for revenge with an extraordinary performance throughout the playoffs, culminating in his outstanding display during the Stanley Cup Final.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Conn Smythe Trophy
Q: Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 2023 NHL playoff MVP?
A: Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 NHL playoffs.
Q: How did Jonathan Marchessault perform during the playoffs?
A: Marchessault tied for the lead in playoff goals with 13 and finished second in points with 25, just behind his teammate Jack Eichel.
Q: Was Marchessault initially considered for the Conn Smythe Trophy?
A: No, Marchessault was not initially in the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy. However, he started accumulating points rapidly and became a dominant force during the playoffs.
Q: How did Marchessault perform in the Stanley Cup Final?
A: Marchessault had an exceptional performance in the Stanley Cup Final, totaling four goals and four assists, helping his team secure the championship.
Q: What makes Marchessault’s achievement more significant?
A: Marchessault’s accomplishment is remarkable because he achieved it by defeating his former team, the Panthers, in the Stanley Cup Final, providing a sense of revenge for being exposed in the expansion draft.
Q: Can fans purchase Golden Knights championship merchandise?
A: Yes, fans can celebrate the historic win by purchasing official Golden Knights championship shirts, hats, hoodies, autographed jerseys, and more. Visit the provided link to explore the available Las Vegas NHL championship gear.
More about Conn Smythe Trophy
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- Stanley Cup Final
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Conn Smythe Trophy
- NHL Playoffs
- Jonathan Marchessault
- Jack Eichel
- Panthers