Ex-NHL ref Tim Peel makes bold Conn Smythe Trophy winner predictions; it's not Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky

Former NHL referee Tim Peel made a bold prediction regarding the Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He did so following the Florida Panthers' 5-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday.

Peel tweeted:

"I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Bobrovsky isn’t going to win the Conn Smyth!"

The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player during the playoffs.

Bobrovsky let in three goals out of 19 shots during the Panthers' Game 5 defeat. The veteran goalie was taken out in Game 4 after conceding five goals on 16 shots, leading to backup Anthony Stolarz taking over.

Bobrovsky did a good job in the early playoff games, but his recent performance might have taken him out of the Conn Smythe trophy consideration. With Florida leading 3-2 in the series, Bobrovsky and the Panthers need to win Game 6 to secure their first Stanley Cup victory.

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Fans react to Tim Peel's Conn Smythe Trophy winner prediction

Fans have voiced strong reactions on social media to former NHL referee Tim Peel's bold prediction.

One fan agreed with Peel's take and predicts Edmonton captain Connor McDavid to be the winner.

"It's McDavid no matter what now.”

Another lamented that Bobrovsky’s performance would reignite complaints about his massive salary cap hit ($10 million cap hit).

"Now people are going to go back to complaining about his cap hit again.”

Here are some fan reactions:

"I’m going out on a limb and saying maybe we need better refs seems to be very one way towards oilers … it’s absolutely ridiculous embellishment? Now obvious to many men and they just sit there but a baby slash on McDavid got to protect the baby" one fan wrote on X.

One fan joked about Tim Peel's prediction about the Panthers win:

"Remember when you said the series is over Tim?" on X.

Another predicted:

"Up until game 4 he would have. Tkachuk if they win game 6, and he’s a factor or McDavid whoever wins game 7," wrote on X.

"Hell of a prediction Tim," a user commented.

The debate over who will eventually be judged the Conn Smythe Trophy winner continues to stir passion among hockey fans as the Stanley Cup Final approaches a dramatic conclusion.