Datsyuk headlines Lady Byng finalists

Apr 24, 2008 - 4:40 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk was one of three finalists named for the Lady Byng Trophy on Thursday.

The trophy, which will be given out on June 12, is awarded to the player who has "exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high standard of playing ability."

Datsyuk has won the honor the past two seasons, and if voted the winner, would become the first player since the New York Rangers' Frank Boucher from 1933-35 to capture the Lady Byng Trophy three consecutive times.

The Russian finished fourth in the NHL in scoring, recording a career-high 97 points, which included 31 goals for the league's best team.

Along with Datsyuk, Buffalo Sabres right wing Jason Pominville and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis were also named finalists.

In his second season, Pominville tallied a career-high 80 points, leading the Sabres with 53 assists. The 25-year-old is a first-time trophy finalist.

St. Louis is a Lady Byng Trophy finalist for the third time, finishing as a runner-up last season. The 32-year-old finished second on Tampa Bay in scoring, tallying 25 goals and 83 points.