Moulson, Campbell and Eberle are finalists for Lady Byng Trophy
Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell, Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle and New York Islanders forward Matt Moulson have been named finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy, which will be presented on June 20 at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.
Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, the award is given "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." The three finalists amassed just 22 penalty minutes between them during the 2011-12 regular season, with Moulson and Campbell drawing just three minor penalties apiece.
Campbell, 32, could become just the third defenseman ever to win the Lady Byng, and the first since Red Kelly in 1954. He was assessed just six penalty minutes despite playing in all 82 games for the Panthers. He scored four goals and handed out 49 assists, finishing second among defensemen in both points and assists to Ottawa's Erik Karlsson. The Panthers won the Southeast Division and hold a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the New Jersey Devils.
Moulson, 28, surpassed the 30-goal mark for the third consecutive season, scoring 36 goals and assisting on 33 more for the Islanders. His six penalty minutes are down from 24 during the 2010-11 season.
Eberle's 20 penalty minutes are down from 22 in his rookie season. He scored 34 goals and recorded 42 assists in 78 games for the Oilers.
Tampa Bay forward Martin St. Louis, who won the two previous trophies, was not among this year's finalists. He was assessed 16 penalty minutes in 77 minutes in 2011-12.
