Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing the 1976 Stanley Cup Final?

Reggie Leach won the Conn Smythe Trophy despite the Philadelphia Flyers losing the 1976 Stanley Cup Final.

The Montreal Canadiens swept Philadelphia four games to none in the Final, beginning a dynasty that produced four consecutive championships from 1976 through 1979. Leach nevertheless had an extraordinary postseason, scoring 19 goals and 24 points in 16 games.

His 19 goals set an NHL record for a single playoff year at the time. He also scored five goals in Philadelphia’s semifinal victory over Boston, tying the league record for goals in one playoff game. Four of his goals came in the Final against Montreal.

The Conn Smythe Trophy recognizes the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs, not necessarily a player on the championship team. Leach became the third player from a losing finalist to win it, and he remains especially notable as the only non-goaltender among the early examples. Ken Dryden and Guy Lafleur were Canadiens stars in the series, but neither won that year’s playoff MVP award.