The Colorado Avalanche came from behind to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals Sunday night. In doing so, they clinched the franchise's third championship and first since 2001. After the game, it was announced the Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was the winner of this year's Conn Smythe Trophy. That is awarded to the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Makar finished with 29 points in just 20 playoff games. That's the most for a defenseman in almost 40 years. But he also did something that goes back even further than that. By winning the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Avalanche defenseman became the youngest defenseman since Bobby Orr in 1970 to win the award.
Cale Makar has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
He's the youngest defenseman in 52 years to win it đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/0f7qEde6c9
— ESPN (@espn) June 27, 2022
Makar will not turn 24 years old until October 30th later this year. It is so rare to see such a fantastic defenseman be so talented offensively. Makar moves so fluidly on the ice with and without the puck. He had a special regular season, winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman. Colorado's youngster posted 28 goals and 58 assists, a total of 86 points.
Anytime you can put yourself in the company of Bobby Orr, you did something special. Orr helped the Boston Bruins win 1970 and 1972, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy both times. Like the young Avalanche superstar, Orr was the greatest offensive defenseman. What made Orr truly special is that when he did it, that was not a thing in hockey.
Defenseman did not score goals. They were not offensive forces in the game. It is because of that that Orr is considered one of the greatest players of all-time. Players like Colorado's Makar excel because of what Orr did over 50 years ago.
Follow Us
Subscribe