The Big Finale

In the Western Conference final, the Edmonton Oilers turned an Anaheim team that had been arguably the NHL's toughest team for weeks into mush.

In the east, the Buffalo Sabres didn't have Henrik Tallinder, Dmitri Kalinin, Teppo Numminen, Jay McKee and Tim Connolly by the end of their series with the Carolina Hurricanes.

And still the Canes were life and death to beat the Sabres.

What that means starting Monday we'll all find out.

What we do know is that both Edmonton and Carolina have been powered by terrific individual performances, Conn Smythe Trophy-like performances, if you will.

So who are the favorites thus far for post-season MVP?

Edmonton D Chris Pronger: If there is one thing Carolina's opponents have lacked in these playoffs, its a blueline stud. Pronger has been the NHL's best defenceman in the playoffs and may be the odds-on favorite to take the Conn Smythe.

Carolina C Rod Brind'Amour: For a guy who couldn't even make the list of 81 names Wayne Gretzky produced as candidates for Canada's Olympic team, it has been a terrific season followed by a fabulous playoff.

Edmonton G Dwayne Roloson: The long break between the end of the Anaheim series and the start of the Cup final should do wonders for Roloson. He might be the unlikeliest goaltender ever to lead his team to the Cup.

Carolina G Cam Ward: This would be a longshot since Ward has been replaced by Martin Gerber on a couple of occasions. But he save the Canes in the first round against Montreal, bounced back after being pulled against the Jersey and did the same thing against the Sabres.

Edmonton C Shawn Horcoff: His colleague Mike Peca has been getting lots of kudos, and deservedly so. But it's Horcoff's elevation to a true No. 1 centre that has given Peca a little more room. Horcoff does it all for the Oilers.

Carolina RW Justin Williams: He has scored big goals all playoffs, plus has proved to be a feisty character who didn't let all the drama surrounding his accidental high stick on Montreal captain Saku Koivu in the first round get to him.