Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron has captured the Frank J. Selke Trophy in recognition of “the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.
Bergeron garnered 1,083 voting points, including 75 first-place votes, to claim a photo finish decision over second-place Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks (1,051 points). The result recalls their neck-and-neck race for the trophy in 2013, when Toews edged Bergeron for the win by a 1,260-1,250 margin.
Bergeron was the NHL’s top performer in the face-off circle in 2014-15, leading the League in total face-offs (1,951), wins (1,175) and winning percentage (60.2%). He also ranked among the League’s top five forwards in a host of statistics that measure team puck possession while on the ice at five-on-five, including SAT (shot attempts differential), SAT Rel% (ratio of player’s on-ice SAT vs. off-ice SAT) and SAT Close (SAT in one-goal games in periods 1 and 2, tie games in period 3)