It's been made official. Ryan O'Reilly is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy. The funny thing is that O'Reilly doesn't want to win it. He says it makes him look soft. Oh, Radar. You so silly.
From the NHL press release:
NEW YORK (April 22, 2014) -- Forwards Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks,
Ryan O'Reilly of the Colorado Avalanche and Martin St. Louis of the New York Rangers are
the three finalists for the 2013-14 Lady Byng Memorial 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," the National Hockey League announced today.
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association submitted ballots for the Lady
Byng Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated
as finalists. The winner will be announced Tuesday, June 24, during the 2014 NHL Awards from
Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The 2014 NHL Awards will be broadcast by NBCSN in the
United States and CBC in Canada.
Following are the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau tallied his seventh 30-goal season in the past nine years, helping the Sharks
reach the 100-point mark for the seventh time in that span. He ranked second on the Sharks in
goals (33), was third in assists (37) and points (70), and led the club and placed fifth in the NHL in
shots on goal (285). Marleau played in all 82 games and skated an average of 20:31 per contest
but received just 18 penalty minutes. The 34-year-old Aneroid, Sask., native is a Lady Byng
finalist for the second time, finishing third behind Pavel Datsyuk and Brad Richards in 2006.
Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado Avalanche
O'Reilly tallied a career-high 64 points as the resurgent Avalanche captured the Central
Division title and tied a franchise record with 52 victories. He led the club in goals (28), power-play
goals (nine) and game-winners (six-tied), and led the NHL in takeaways (83) for the second time in
the past three seasons. O'Reilly was flagged for just one minor penalty all season, joining Butch
Goring (1977-78, Los Angeles) as the only players ever to receive two or fewer PIM over 80 or
more games. The 23-year-old Clinton, Ont., native is a Lady Byng Trophy finalist for the first time.
Martin St. Louis, New York Rangers
In quest of a repeat Lady Byng Trophy win and fourth in the past five years, St. Louis
recorded the seventh 30-goal season of his NHL career (30-39--69). He led the Rangers in goals,
points and power-play goals (nine) and ranked second in plus-minus (+13). St. Louis ranked third
among NHL forwards in total time on ice (1,696:11), but was assessed just 10 penalty minutes --
fewest among the League's top 20 scorers. The 38-year-old native of Laval, Que., is a Lady Byng
finalist for the eighth time in the past 10 years.
History
Lady Byng, wife of Canada’s Governor-General at the time, presented the Lady Byng Trophy
during the 1924-25 season. After Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven
times in eight seasons, he was given the trophy to keep and Lady Byng donated another trophy in
1936. After Lady Byng’s death in 1949, the National Hockey League presented a new trophy,
changing the name to the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.
Announcement Schedule
The NHL is announcing the three finalists for its regular-season awards through May 6. The
remaining announcement schedule:
Wednesday, April 23
Calder Trophy (top rookie)
Thursday, April 24
Selke Trophy (forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game)
Friday, April 25
Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
Monday, April 28
Norris Trophy (top defenseman)
Tuesday, April 29
Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award presented by Bridgestone
Wednesday, April 30
Masterton Trophy (perseverance and dedication to hockey)
Thursday, May 1
Hart Trophy (most valuable player to his team)
Friday, May 2
NHL Foundation Player Award (community service)
Monday, May 5
Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player as voted by the players)
Tuesday, May 6
Jack Adams Award (top head coach)