THN.com/podcast. From The Hockey News Podcast: Comebacks, Upsets and D.B. Sweeney Anze Kopitar [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3NjcyNDU2NjQxNTg2NDc3/usatsi_20336962.jpg] Anze Kopitar The NHL unveiled the New Jersey's Jack Hughes, Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar and Tampa Bay's Brayden Point as the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Tuesday evening. The award goes annually to the player who "exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." As one of the league's top young players, Hughes manages to combine an elite skill set with largely clean play to fulfill the Lady Byng criteria perfectly. The 21-year-old racked up a remarkable 43 goals and 56 assists for 99 points this season while averaging nearly 20 minutes in nightly ice time for the Devils and yet ended up with just six minutes in total penalties, committing a mere three minor infractions all year long. Playing a full 82-game season, Kopitar was his usual productive self in 2022-23, finishing the year with 28 goals and 46 assists for 74 points, along with 20:18 in nightly ice time. Despite playing such a prominent role, Kopitar spent just four minutes in the penalty box all season long, a number that is made even more impressive when considering just how much defensive responsibility is placed on his shoulders. Point is in a similar boat to his two contemporaries, as the 27-year-old set career highs in goals and points this season with 51 and 44, respectively, while also averaging just under 20 minutes in ice time per night. Despite his workload, Point ended up with just seven total penalty minutes to his name. Regardless of who takes home the hardware, each finalist is undoubtedly deserving of some recognition.
