Datsyuk, Parise, St. Louis vie for Lady Byng

Apr 24, 2009 - 5:50 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Like Detroit Red Wings teammate Nicklas Lidstrom with the Norris, Pavel Datsyuk is trying to put a stranglehold on the Lady Byng Trophy.

The three-time defending champion, Datsyuk on Friday was named by the NHL as one of the three finalists for the award presented for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Datsyuk, who began his reign in 2006, is attempting to join Hall of Famer Frank Boucher as the only players in league history to win the award four straight times. This season, Datsyuk finished fourth in the NHL in scoring with 97 points, matching his career high.

The center also was second in the league with 89 takeaways and third with a plus-34 rating while collecting just 22 minutes in penalties.

Lidstrom, who has won three straight Norris Trophies and six of the last seven, also is in the running for his fourth consecutive award this season.

Also nominated for the Lady Byng this campaign are New Jersey Devils left wing Zach Parise and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis.

Parise posted career highs of 45 goals, 49 assists, 94 points, 14 power-play tallies and eight game-winners. He ranked third in the league in goals and fifth in points while amassing just 24 penalty minutes.

The 2004 Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner, St. Louis is a finalist for the Lady Byng for the fourth time. He was runner-up each of the last two seasons.

This campaign, St. Louis led Tampa Bay in goals (30), assists (50) and points (80). He reached the 30-goal plateau for the fifth time in the last six seasons and 80 points for the third straight time.

St. Louis accumulated just 14 penalty minutes in 2008-09.