For the second time in his career, Patrick Marleau has been named a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Basically, it’s for whoever scores a lot without taking many penalties and Marleau certainly qualified on both fronts this season.
His 33 goals were second on the Sharks to Joe Pavelski and 11th league-wide while he spent just 18 minutes in the penalty box all season, less than the amount of ice time he averaged in a single game this year. Marleau was previously a finalist for the award in 2006 but he finished fourth in voting in both 2009 and 2011. The other two finalists are frontrunner Ryan O’Reilly, who was whistled for just one minor penalty all season, and Martin St. Louis, who committed the supremely gentlemanly act of demanding a trade after not being named to Team Canada despite eventually playing for them anyway. Only ten penalty minutes though!
In more important Patrick Marleau news, his two goals against the Kings so far in the postseason mean only 30 players in NHL history have scored more playoff goals than him. If the Sharks can go deep this year, Marleau has a great chance at moving into the top 20.
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our