Datsyuk, Hudler, Kopitar finalists for Lady Byng
Pavel Datsyuk is one of three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy. (USATSI)
With the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in full swing, it’s the time of year when the NHL also announces the finalists for its annual awards, which will be passed out in Las Vegas on June 24.
Up first is the league announced the three finalists Lady Byng Trophy, awarded “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
Perennial Byng contender Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings is a finalist for the fifth time in his career, Jiri Hudler of the Calgary Flames and Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings are each first-time finalists.
Datsyuk has won the Lady Byng four times in his career. This season, he averaged over a point-per-game with 65 points in 63 games. The 36-year-old forward accrued just eight penalty minutes this season, which gave him the lowest per-game average since his rookie season according to the NHL. Datsyuk’s four Byng Trophies came in consecutive years from 2006-09. He was also a finalist in 2010. If Datsyuk wins, he will tie Wayne Gretzky for second all-time with his fifth Lady Byng. Frank Boucher is the record holder with seven.
Hudler had a remarkable year playing as part of the Flames top line. He led the team in scoring with 76 points and eclipsed 30 goals for the first time in his career with 31 while helping Calgary bust out of a five-year playoff drought. He was whistled for 14 penalty minutes all season, which marked the lowest total among the NHL’s top 20 scorers. This is the first NHL award he has been nominated for.
Kopitar, who was a finalist for the Selke Trophy last season, once again led the Kings in scoring with 64 points in 79 games. Though the Kings fell short of the playoffs in shocking fashion, Kopitar was once again their best forward and plays an important two-way role for the team. Considering his defensive responsibility, much like Datsyuk, he took a staggeringly low number of penalties. Kopitar was sent to the box for just five minor penalties all season.
The NHL will next reveal the three finalists for the Frank Selke Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defensive forward, Wednesday.
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