Lidstrom is of course a finalist for the Norris. Here are some more Wings finalists:


NEW YORK -- Detroit Red Wings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=det) center Pavel Datsyuk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1223) is among three finalists for the Frank Selke Trophy, which honors a forward for his defensive work.

New Jersey Devils (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=njd) center John Madden (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=557) and Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1964) are the other finalists based on the vote of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The nominations were announced Friday.Datsyuk also is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, which honors sportsmanship and gentlemanly play. He led the NHL this season with a plus-minus rating of 41.
The winner will be announced at the league's awards show on June 12 in Toronto.
The trophy, awarded since 1978, is named for Frank Selke, the former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=tor) and Montreal Canadiens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=mon).

Dats should win but I can see Z and D splitting the vote and Madden winning because of it.

With the highest +/- and also steals in the league for Datsyuk I would think the award is his.

I'm surprised when Dats goes after someone and DOESN'T get a steal. His stickwork is phenomenal!

The most fun I had at last nights game was watching the Avs fans getting pissed when they couldn't take the puck from Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Those two are rediculous.

Babcock: 'I have one of the best jobs in hockey'

by Ansar Khan Thursday May 01, 2008, 12:01 AM


DENVER -- Mike Babcock has a simple criteria for determining the NHL's best coach.
"To me, the coach of the year every year is the guy whose team carries the (Stanley) Cup around," Babcock said.
The Jack Adams Award, however, is based on the regular season. And on Wednesday, Babcock was named a finalist for the trophy that recognizes the league's top coach. Washington's Bruce Boudreau and Montreal's Guy Carbonneau are the other nominees, as chosen by the NHL Broadcasters Association. The winner will be announced June 12 at the NHL Awards Show.

Babcock was acknowledged for guiding the Detroit Red Wings to the Presidents' Trophy for the second time in three years. He became only the second coach to win 50 games in three consecutive seasons. The first was Scotty Bowman, who did it four years in a row with Montreal (1975-76 to 1978-79). Bowman was also the last Red Wings coach to win the Adams (1996).
"I have a really good job, one of the best jobs in hockey," Babcock said after practice Wednesday, before learning he was a finalist. "The people I work for seem to show me good appreciation and I enjoy that. I'm pretty comfortable with my situation."
The Red Wings and Babcock are close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension. It will likely be announced after the playoffs.