*note - I hadn't noticed the article up at Black Aces about this exact subject until 5 minutes ago...guess I shouldn't be so loyal to S7S!

We've heard, pretty much from game #8, that Paul Maclean is in the running for the Jack Adams Award as the NHL Coach of the year. Though he's certainly going to be in the running, the fellow in St. Louis has that wrapped up at this point. Then we move to King Karlsson. Norris Trophy talk has followed him for a couple months now (longer if you sit within earshot of yours truly). Jason Spezza has been mentioned as a Hart Trophy possibility at a few points in the season, as has #65. However, there's another award that a Senator is certainly deserving of...and it came as a surprise to me too.

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Our beloved Captain, Daniel Alfredsson, should most certainly be in the running for the Lady Byng trophy. Described as

a player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

Despite being the team leader, a fearless competitor, super-aggressive and relentless checker, #11 has racked up a measly 16 penalty minutes this year.

Let's look at a few recent winners (likely candidates)

Martin St. Louis - 69 games / 66 points /16 PIMs

Pavel Datsyuk - 63 games / 60 points / 14 PIMs

Matt Cooke

Brad Richards - 75 games / 59 points / 16 PIMs

Marian Hossa, Jordan Eberle, Loui Eriksson (never heard of him either......) and Matt Labbat Moulson are all above Alfie in points and in the ballpark of PIMs, but few would argue any of the above mentioned play a harder game than Hasse's son while keeping it 'clean'.

To go Donald Rumsfeld and answer my own questions...

Do I think Alfie will win? No I don't...do I think he'll be nominated? I doubt that he will....do I think he's just as deserving as anybody else? Yes...I most certainly do.

It's been a great season to Sens fans everywhere....and for the kind of season #11's put together, at the ripe old age of 47 is nothing short of inspiring.