Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron will attempt to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy for an unprecedented fifth time.
Bergeron joined Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone on Sunday as finalists for the award.
The award is presented annually to the forward voted best to excel in the defensive aspects of the game in the NHL as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced as part of the 2021 NHL Awards during the conference finals or Stanley Cup Final.
“It’s good people are continuing to pay attention because (Bergeron) deserves it,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Sunday. “Certainly, he emulates what that award is all about and did it again this year. There’s a couple of good candidates as well he’s up against, so that’s always a tough call for the people deciding, but I’m glad to see him get his just due and good luck to him. Obviously, I’m biased, but I feel he should be the winner. … To be able to keep playing that way on both sides of the puck is kind of a testament to not only his physical ability but his mental toughness to do it every night.”
Bergeron, who won the Selke in 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17, is a finalist for a record 10th consecutive season. The 35-year-old recorded 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) in 54 games this season and led all Bruins forwards in blocked shots (36).
A first-time finalist, Barkov collected 58 points (26 goals, 32 assists) in 55 games this season. Barkov, 25, would be the first Panthers player to win the award should it come to pass.
Stone, a two-time finalist, had a team-leading 61 points (21 goals, 40 assists) in 55 games this season.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier won the award last season.
–Field Level Media