Patrice Bergeron Nominated for Selke

The NHL announced earlier today that Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron has been named one of three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. The award is given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. The other two finalists for the award are Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk and St. Louis' David Backes.

Bergeron led all Bruins forwards in time on ice this season, averaging 18:34 per game and also led the team in shorthanded time on ice, averaging 1:48 per game. Bergeron also led the Bruins in faceoff win perecentage and was second in the league in that category with 59.3%, trailing only Chicago's Jonathan Toews, who led the league with a 59.4% faceoff win percentage.

Bergeron finished the season with 22 goals and 42 assists, finishing the year second on the team in goals and second in points with 64. He was fifth on the team in goals and played in a career high 81 games.

I can honestly say this was no surprise, and shouldn't be to any hockey fan (unless you're from Vancouver or Montreal). Bergeron has consistently been one of the best two way forwards in the game for years now. Last year's nomination snub was one that many people felt was unfair, as it was certain that he should have at least been nominated.

Even linemate Brad Marchand said in his line's introduction video on NBC (still a stupid idea) that Bergeron should be the 2012 Selke Award Winner. While it's great to see that the Professional Hockey Writers' Association believes Bergeron is a worthy candidate, it's even better to see his teammates support him and believe that he should be this year's winner.

Now if only the Caps would stop whining about Bergeron being cheap (come on, really?) he would get some really good recognition from opponents and respect, knowing that whenever they play the Bruins they are not only going up against one of the best teams in the league, but that they will also have to face one of the best defensive forwards in the game.

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