Bergeron, Kopitar, Toews named Selke finalists for 2nd straight season

Patrice Bergeron, Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Toews named Selke Trophy finalists, given to NHL's best defensive forward

Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks were named finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the second straight year, the league announced.

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The Selke award is given to the best defensive forward in the NHL. Bergeron won the award last season, with Kopitar and Toews finishing second and third in the voting, respectively.

Bergeron, who is a Selke finalist for the fourth straight season, led the NHL is face-off wins and face-off winning percentage this past year. Bergeron scored 23 goals and had 32 assists for the Bruins.

Kopitar helped a Los Angeles team that was ranked fourth in defense, allowing only 2.40 goals per game.

He had 16 goals and 48 assists during the 2014-2015 season and was also named a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, given to the “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

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Blackhawks captain Toews is a Selke finalist for the fourth time in five years. He scored 28 goals, assisted on 38 other goals and racked up a career-best +30 rating. Toews won the Selke award in 2012-13.

The winner will be announced June 24 during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

- Scooby Axson