Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis has won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Friday.
The honor is awarded "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association selects the winner.
"It is a great honor to be recognized in this way for the Lightning organization, especially an organization that has so many great people involved." St. Louis said in a statement released by the team. "I strive to play fast and physical but try to avoid taking penalties that will hurt my team."
St. Louis, who led the NHL with 43 assists and 60 points in 48 games, received 47 first-place votes and was present on 119 of 179 ballots cast (824 points). Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane was second with 785 points, and New York Islanders winger Matt Moulson third with 741.
St. Louis, 37, has won the Lady Byng Trophy in three of the past four seasons. He also won the award in 2009-10 and 2010-11.
"Marty is very physical and aggressive ... but the reason he doesn't take a lot of penalties is because he plays the game so smart," Lightning center Steven Stamkos said in a statement released by the team.
St. Louis is also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, which will be announced Saturday.
