2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs: 3rd Round MVP's

Chicago Blackhawks: Dustin Byfuglien

Everyone knows I hate this guy, but just in case you didn't get the memo, let me make it very clear: I HATE THIS GUY. He's ugly, he's agitating, he's got an attitude problem, he's borderline dirty and unsportsmanlike at times, and the pronunciation of his name is infuriating (not that any of this is new to the NHL, but still). That being said, I will be the first to admit that this guy is a beast on the ice and the main reason why the Hawks were able to sweep the top-seeded Sharks. He had four goals in as many games, three of which were game-winners, with an overtime-winner in goal 3. It was up to the big D-men for San Jose to clear him out of the crease, but half of the time, it didn't even look like they were trying. Even when he wasn't making the opposition's blue-liners look foolish, his net-front presence made it impossible for Nabakov to make saves. This past Conference Finals series gives new meaning to his nickname, "Big Buff"... but I still hate him.

Honorable mentions: Dave Bolland, Antti Niemi, and Jonathan Toews


Philadelphia Flyers: Chris Pronger
What can't this guy do? This coming Stanley Cup series will be the third time in his career that Chris Pronger was able to lead his team to the finals in his first year with the club. And yes, "lead" is the operative word in that statement. Coming into the Conference Finals, Gionta and Cammalleri well putting up crazy numbers for the Habs. However, the minute they ran into Pronger and company, it was lights-out. Of course, everyone is pointing to Michael Leighton and his 3 shutouts, but honestly, how many of those shots in those three games were quality chances? Leighton owes his crazy statistics to the giant of a man in front of him. Philly's defensive juggernaut average 30 minutes of ice-time a game, and kept the Canadiens' small, speedy scorers at bay. The one bad game he had was game 4 in Montreal, and the Flyers got destroyed because of it. His team is so dependent on his ability to perform. When Pronger doesn't play well, his team loses. On the flip side, when he's feeling it, you should be ****ing your pants.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Leighton, Claude Giroux, and Mike Richards