Could the Presidents` Trophy curse strike again this year?
Over the last 11 NHL seasons, the team winning this award (given for the most regular-season points) has failed to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, none of the past 11 winners even reached the Stanley Cup Final.
Historically, in the 38 seasons the trophy has been presented, only eight winners have gone on to lift the Stanley Cup. With the Winnipeg Jets currently tied 2-2 in their first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, is the curse looming?
Here are the eight teams the Jets aim to copy by breaking the curse:
Chicago Blackhawks, 2012-13
The most recent franchise to capture both the Presidents` Trophy and the Stanley Cup, Chicago claimed the regular-season title in a season that commenced in January following a lockout. Patrick Kane was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after a strong playoff performance where he registered nine goals (tied for second on the team) and 10 assists (third).
Detroit Red Wings, 2007-08
Securing the Central Division crown by an impressive 24-point margin, the Red Wings boasted the league`s best goals-against record and compiled a formidable 115-point regular season. Henrik Zetterberg, their leading goal scorer in the regular season, received the Conn Smythe after accumulating 27 points in the postseason.
Detroit Red Wings, 2001-02
Preceding their franchise counterparts by six years, this Red Wings squad delivered a regular season performance that saw them win the Central Division by 18 points and lead the entire league standings by a substantial 15-point margin. Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidström earned the Conn Smythe, capping off the third of his three Stanley Cup victories with Detroit.
Colorado Avalanche, 2000-01
Combined with the Red Wings` subsequent championship, Colorado`s Stanley Cup win marks the only instance in league history where teams won both the Presidents` Trophy and the Stanley Cup in consecutive years. Goaltender Patrick Roy was awarded his record-setting third Conn Smythe Trophy.
Dallas Stars, 1998-99
Dallas led the league in fewest goals allowed, a defensive strength that carried into the playoffs. In only one of the Stars` 12 postseason victories did they surrender more than two goals. Their offense was driven by centers – Mike Modano`s 81 regular-season points significantly led the team, while Joe Nieuwendyk was named the Conn Smythe winner.
New York Rangers, 1993-94
After the regular season saw the Rangers edge out local rivals, the New Jersey Devils, for both the Atlantic Division title and the Presidents` Trophy, their playoff run was also filled with intense rivalries.
The Rangers faced New Jersey in the Eastern Conference finals, emerging victorious in a seven-game series that included three games decided in double overtime. New York`s subsequent Stanley Cup Final series against the Vancouver Canucks also went the full seven games, with Conn Smythe winner Brian Leetch scoring the opening goal in the decisive final game.
Calgary Flames, 1988-89
The 1988-89 NHL season was dominated by Calgary and the Montreal Canadiens, who posted 117 and 115 regular-season points respectively – no other team in the league managed more than 92. Fittingly, the two teams met in the Stanley Cup Final, where the Presidents` Trophy-winning Flames once again bested Montreal, defeating the Canadiens in six games. Defenseman Al MacInnis amassed 24 playoff assists en route to receiving Conn Smythe honors.
Edmonton Oilers, 1986-87
Led by Wayne Gretzky at his peak, Edmonton raced to a 106-point regular season as Gretzky topped the NHL in goals, assists, and plus/minus, earning his eighth Hart Trophy. Unsurprisingly, Gretzky was a central figure in the Oilers` playoff charge as well – he recorded 29 assists as Edmonton secured their third Stanley Cup, part of a dominant run of four Cups in five years for the franchise.
Rupert Hartwell