Pavel Datsyuk named finalist for Lady Byng

By @MichaelCaples –

DETROIT – Just prior to puck drop for the Red Wings game at Joe Louis Arena tonight, the NHL announced that Pavel Datsyuk is a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

Datsyuk, Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar and Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler are the three nominees for this year’s Lady Byng recipient, given to the player who “exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”

Datsyuk is a four-time winner of the Lady Byng; the Red Wings’ superstar captured the award four straight times from 2006 to 2009.

Kopitar and Hudler are first-time finalists for the award.

This season, Datsyuk finished second on the Wings’ roster in scoring with 65 points, despite only playing in 63 games. He recorded 26 goals and 39 assists in the regular season, along with a team-best +12 rating. He only made four trips to the penalty box all season, as well.

Kopitar, meanwhile, racked up 64 points and a -2 rating. Hudler, a former Red Wings forward, had 76 points and finished with a +17.