Jordan Staal's name may not be the first to come to mind when thinking of NHL playoff heroes, but the 12-point forward's remarkable postseason run has sparked a heated debate about his chances of taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy. As the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against their playoff rivals, Staal's impressive performance has left many wondering if a defensive specialist can truly be considered the most valuable player of the post-season. With his shutdown defense and timely goals, Staal has become an unlikely leader for the Penguins, and his Conn Smythe case is gaining momentum. But can a player who doesn't typically rack up points make a compelling argument for the award, or is this just a publicity stunt?

Can a 12-point forward really be NHL playoffs MVP? Jordan Staal’s unprecedented Conn Smythe case  The New York Times