from Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun,

Finally, the Blues have a clear and obvious candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Not Jordan Binnington, who was exceptional in Game 5’s 2-1 victory, particularly during the first period when the Bruins were riding the huge emotional wave created by the return of Zdeno Chara. While the rookie goalie was also quite good in the first three rounds, he allowed multiple weak goals in the first three games of this series — and allowed five on 19 shots before getting yanked in Game 3.

Not Ryan O’Reilly, who had two gigantic goals in Game 4 and scored again, while setting up the other, in Game 5. Before that outburst the big bearded one had three goals in 22 games.

And not Jaden Schwartz or Vladimir Tarasenko, who are 2-3 in playoff goal scoring with 12 and 11, respectively.

No, for having the greatest effect on the course of the Stanley Cup final, the MVP is Craig Berube.

continued