The finalists for the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) have been announced over at NHL.com, with the defending champion Pavel Datsyuk joined by two new nominees, Ryan Kesler of Vancouver and Mike Richards of Philadelphia.

A couple weeks ago, James Mirtle used the data from Behind the Net to outline his candidates for the award, and he tabbed both Kesler and Richards as potential nominees, while leaving Datsyuk off the list.

The table below shows some of that Behind the Net data. For each player, the Quality of Competition they faced (did they match up against the best of the opposition), their 5-on-5 Goals Against per 60 minutes of play, their 4-on-5 Time On Ice per Game, and 4-on-5 GA/60 minutes:

Basically, they all faced tough opponents, but Datsyuk's defensive accomplishments pale in comparison to last year, when his 4-on-5 GA/60 figure was an outstanding 5.70.  A good part of that difference might be allowed for, considering the awful goaltending Detroit has endured during the regular season.

One surprise player left off this list is Minnesota's Mikko Koivu, who carried the Wild with his two-way play while Marian Gaborik spent much of the season injured. His Behind the Net numbers include a 0.08 QCMP (the highest among Mirtle's list), and a 3.81 GA/60 in 4-on-5 play, an amazingly low figure.

All three of these finalists are among the Top 8 in the NHL's Takeaway statistic, but given the arbitrary nature with which Giveaways, Takeaways, and Hits are recorded, I don't put too much stock in that. There's no denying, however, the accomplishments of all three of these nominees...

Pavel Datsyuk

#13 / Center / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 5-11

Weight: 194

Born: Jul 20, 1978

Is he the best two-way player in the game? It's hard to make an argument for anyone else.

Ryan Kesler

#17 / Center / Vancouver Canucks

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Born: Aug 31, 1984

Part of a steady cast of characters that gives Vancouver a real shot in this playoff run.

Mike Richards

#18 / Center / Philadelphia Flyers

Height: 5-11

Weight: 195

Born: Feb 11, 1985

People have talked up his leadership skills ever since he made it to the NHL, and having a point-per-game man nominated for his defensive work speaks volumes about what he brings to the Flyers.