Conn Smythe Trophy

STEVE YZERMAN was the longest serving captain in the NHL in 1997-98. Through 15 seasons, YZERMAN had seen the highs of a Stanley Cup championship, and the lows of last place finishes with the Red Wings. In 1997-98, he was to savour the highs once again. Having been a high-scoring offensive threat for years, STEVE had added a substantial defensive element to his game as well by 1997-98. Yet, he scored 24 goals and 45 assists for 69 points to help Detroit to a 103-point season, good for second place in the Central Division. With victories over St. Louis and Phoenix, Detroit faced off against Dallas in the final. It took a tough six games to decide the outcome, but when the smoke cleared, the Detroit Red Wings emerged as the Stanley Cup champions for a second straight season. STEVE YZERMAN led his Wings both off and on the ice. Over 22 games, STEVIE Y contributed 24 points (6 goals and 18 assists) to lead all playoff performers, and was chosen as the 1997-98 recipient of the CONN SMYTHE TROPHY.