Datsyuk Finalist for Hart Trophy

The NHL announced its finalists for the Hart Trophy today. The Hart goes to the league's Most Valuable Player and the only thing we know is that a Russian born player will win it. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, Washington's Alex Ovechkin, and the Wings' own Pavel Datsyuk are the finalists for the Hart.

As a surprise to some, Sidney Crosby was left off the finalist list, despite finishing above Datsyuk in Goals, Assists, and Points. Datsyuk does have the advantage over all of the aforementioned players with a +34 rating.

Datsyuk is up for both the Selke Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy in addition to the Hart.  The Selke is awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward and Datsyuk will have Vancouver's Ryan Kesler and Philadelphia's Mike Richards to contend with for the award. Pavs won the Selke last year and looks to keep it again along with the Byng Trophy. The Byng is awarded to the player who exhibits the best sportsmanship, something Datsyuk is known for. Along with Datsyuk as finalists are Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis and New Jersey's Zach Parise.

Nick Lidstrom garnered a nomination for the Norris Trophy for the NHL's best defenseman. The Red Wings captain looks to secure his 7th Trophy but has the Capitals' Mike Green and Boston's Zdeno Chara blocking his way.

The NHL Awards are June 18 in Las Vegas.