Selke Award finalists (best defensive forward)

[Forkboy]

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings -- It's one thing for a Brian Leetch, Sidney Crosby or Wayne Gretzky to carry the puck the length of the rink while using head and foot fakes to shed checkers, after all, they know where they're going. It's a whole 'nother thing for Datsyuk to strip those guys of the puck because he knows where they're going.

Obviously, Datsyuk can't read minds, but his extensive preparations, based on observations and past performances, gives him the book on opponent's tendencies. Just as those skilled puck carriers bring the puck up ice with that "you-don't-know-where-I'm going or if-I'm-passing" approach, Datsyuk gives those puck carriers no indication if he's going to poke-check, body check, or angle off his rival. He's extremely quick in getting in on the forecheck, excellent at filling passing lanes, and is a master at forcing the deep puck carrier to outlet pass to where Datsyuk wishes.

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Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks -- Kesler is a very physical and emotional player who often brings out the anger in opponents. You know you've been in a hockey game after tussling all night with Kesler.

While Richards and Datsyuk play on top scoring lines for their teams, Kesler is versatile enough to center a checking line or play the rugged forward on the right side of the first line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. He has spent time this season playing with Pavol Demitra and either Jannik Hansen or Mats Sundin.

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Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers -- Richards quickly became the leader on the Flyers' roster. He was named an alternate captain last season and was promoted to captain before the 2008-09 season. He led the Flyers in assists, takeaways and faceoff percentage.

Richards came to the Flyers from the OHL Kitchener Rangers off an emotional loss in the Memorial Cup. The 24th pick in the 2003 Entry Draft was widely regarded among teams as the kind of player who could drive a team to a Stanley Cup, based on his intensity, and his balanced offensive and defensive contributions. He led his team to the Eastern Conference Final last season and the playoffs again this year. He is one of the three best players on his team and combines with Jeff Carter as the team's two best forwards.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=420456