Sean Couturier named finalist for Selke Trophy

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier has been named one of three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded by the NHL "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game."

The announcement was made by the NHL today, which also includes Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Ryan O'Reilly of the St. Louis Blues.

"It's nice to be honored and recognized by the media," said Couturier. "It reflects on the year that the team had as well. I try to pay attention to details and do the right things all the time, be on the right side of the puck and reliable in all aspects of the game. I try to take pride in that."

This is the second time in Couturier's career that he has been named a finalist, and second time in the last three seasons, having earned his first nod in 2017-18 when he finished second in voting to Kings' center Anze Kopitar.

Couturier also joins a list of two other finalists for major NHL Awards this season. Head Coach Alain Vigneault is a finalist for the Jack Adams Award and forward Oskar Lindblom is a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Notes on Couturier's season & career:

* Couturier finished the regular season ranked second in points (59), tied for second in assists (37) and third in goals (22).

* He led the team for the most even-strength points (46), a plus-minus rating of +21 and all forwards in average ice-time (19:50).

* Couturier also led the team and all players in the NHL in face-off win percentage (59.6) of players who took 50 or more face-offs during the season.

* Couturier was also the winner of the Bobby Clarke Trophy as Team MVP this season, the second consecutive season he has won the award.

* Since the start of the 2016-17 season, Couturier has led all Flyers in goals scored (100), including even-strength goals (80) and game-winning goals (17)... He has also led the Flyers in even-strength points (197).

* Since he entered the NHL as an 18-year-old rookie in 2011-12, Couturier leads the team with an overall plus-minus of +92, which is +67 more than the next closest Flyer.

* Of the 2011 Draft Class, Couturier leads all players in games played (647) and is third in plus-minus (+92).

* Couturier was not named a finalist in 2018-19 but still finished 6th in the NHL in voting.