The Conn Smythe Trophy is unique in that a player's entire postseason performance is factored into who wins the Stanley Cup playoffs' most valuable player.

The first two rounds narrow the field and start defining narratives. The next two rounds are where legacies are made.

We asked close to two dozen potential voters and hockey media that have covered the playoffs for their top three players for postseason MVP. Those ballots were compiled to create this ranking. We attempted to have an equal number of Eastern and Western Conference media in the survey.

Here's a look at where the Conn Smythe race stands as the conference finals begin.