Amid all the clamoring that Phil Kessel deserved the Conn Smythe Trophy, it turns out he was incredibly close to winning it.
Kessel nearly took home the playoff MVP award that ultimately went to Sidney Crosby in one of the closest votes ever, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.
Eighteen members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association - including Seravalli - cast first-, second-, and third-place votes, and the other 17 voters revealed their picks to him on the condition of anonymity.
Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and goaltender Matt Murray, as well as San Jose Sharks netminder Martin Jones and forward Logan Couture received votes. Here's how it reportedly broke down:
| Player | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney Crosby | 9 | 5 | 3 | 63 |
| Phil Kessel | 7 | 8 | 1 | 60 |
| Kris Letang | 2 | 2 | 2 | 18 |
| Martin Jones | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Matt Murray | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Logan Couture | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
The league gives five points for a first-place vote, three points for second, and one for third.
The NHL wouldn't confirm Seravalli's findings, because it's the only major pro league that refuses to reveal playoff MVP voting.
Crosby was held without a goal in the final, but the Penguins captain set up Letang's Cup-clincher, recorded 19 points in 24 postseason games, and notched three game-winners in the earlier rounds.
Kessel led Pittsburgh in the playoffs with 10 goals, 22 points and 98 shots, racking up 11 power-play points.
Not sure this is any consolation for Kessel backers, but it illustrates just how split the decision was.
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