Detroit’s Datsyuk wins 2nd straight Selke award as NHL’s top defensive forward

Detroit’s Datsyuk wins 2nd straight Selke award

LAS VEGAS — Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings is the NHL’s top defensive forward again.

Datsyuk, considered one of the best two-way forwards in the league, won the award Thursday night over finalists Ryan Kesler of Vancouver and Philadelphia’s Mike Richards. Datsyuk edged Richards 945-942 into total votes, but Richards received more first-place ballots.

It is the second straight Selke Award for Datsyuk, who is also up for the Lady Byng Trophy given for gentlemanly play and skill.

Datsyuk ranked second in the NHL with 89 takeaways.