Conn Smythe Trophy Odds: Sergei Bobrovsky Big Favorite with Panthers Up 2-0

The Stanley Cup Final is through two games, and it's looking like it won't be a long series.

After two games, the Florida Panthers hold a 2-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers as the series heads up north to Canada. It's been mostly a one-sided series of domination, with the Panthers outscoring the Oilers by a score of 7-1. With Edmonton on its heels and looking for answers, they'll need their best players to step up like Florida's crew has.

That brings us to the Conn Smythe Trophy. It's clear that a Panthers player is on their way to winning right now -- but there's still a lot of series left to go.

Let's take a look at the Conn Smythe Trophy odds via the NHL odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

Conn Smythe Trophy Odds

Sergei Bobrovsky (-160)

If you have watched any of the first two games in this series, the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy shouldn't come as a surprise.

Sergei Bobrovsky has been nearly spotless in the first two games of the series, which includes an incredible Game 1 shutout that was as close to stealing a game as any.

Through two games, Bobrovsky has faced 51 shots, allowing just 1 goal and turning away the other 50 shots. He's been nearly unbeatable; just ask Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after the breakaway save Bobrovsky made on him in Game 1.

Overall in these playoffs, Bobrovsky has posted a 2.02 goals against average (GAA), .916 save percentage (SV%), and 11.79 goals saved above expectation (GSAx). The Panthers have played great all playoffs, but there's a reason that they were the favorites heading into this series. Bobrovsky was a major reason as to why.

It's unlikely he can maintain his .980 SV% that he's had in the Stanley Cup Final to this point, but anything close is not only going to end up in a Conn Smythe Trophy win for him but a Stanley Cup for the Panthers. He's been that good, and his odds rightfully make him the big favorite with Game 3 on the way.

Aleksander Barkov (+480)

While Sergei Bobrovsky has certainly earned any honors that may come his way this postseason, the same can be said about Aleksander Barkov.

The top skater to take the Conn Smythe Trophy is rightfully Barkov as he showcases his talents on both ends of the ice. The Panthers' captain has delivered on the offensive end, leading Florida in points with 19. Through the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, he has notched two assists -- both of which came in Game 1.

Then there's been the defense. It's a good reason that Barkov is a two-time Selke Trophy winner, including this season. Barkov has 26 takeaways, marking seven more than any other player overall. He's also winning 53.4% of his faceoffs and is playing the major minutes against the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, including the penalty kill. Leading that penalty kill, they've kept the Oilers off the board in seven chances -- a huge accomplishment against the best power play in hockey.

Following Game 2, it was Wayne Gretzky who said Barkov was the best defensive forward he's seen since Bryan Trottier. I'd argue he knows what he's talking about.

Now, Barkov did take an elbow to the head from Draisaitl in Game 2, leaving his status for Game 3 in question. Assuming he's able to play, Barkov looks to be the only player who can contend with Bobrovsky on the Panthers' side of things.

Connor McDavid (+500)

The Edmonton Oilers are looking for answers as they head home for two games. Those answers will have to include Connor McDavid, who is the man to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy if his team can turn the series around.

McDavid leads the playoffs with 32 points, which have come on 5 goals and 27 assists. Despite the single goal in the series for the Oilers, McDavid did get a helper on the lone goal in Game 2. It was expected that the Panthers would zero in on McDavid defensively -- and it's working. In the return to Edmonton, he has to break through.

These first two games are similar to McDavid's performance in the series against the Dallas Stars. They kept him mostly contained, holding him to just two points on their home ice to start. From there, he'd go onto record eight points in the final four games of the series as his team earned a spot in the Stanley Cup Final. Considered the best player in the world, McDavid doing those sorts of things -- starting with Game 3 -- should not at all be out of the question.

The way the Oilers have a shot is if McDavid plays as he often does. That includes five-on-five and the power play. Eventually, Edmonton has to cash in, and I expect McDavid to be a key reason behind it.

If you believe in the Oilers to come back and win this series, their captain is the player worth betting on at +500.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.