In a surprising turn of events, the NHL announced the winner of the prestigious Selke Trophy on Saturday, a bit unexpectedly during the ongoing playoffs. The Selke Trophy is awarded to the best defensive forward in the NHL, and the deserving recipient this year is Sasha Barkov of the Florida Panthers.

The announcement came as a surprise to many, as there was no prior indication that the NHL would be revealing the winner on this particular day. Nevertheless, the voting results showed that Barkov was the clear favorite among the panel of voters. The young forward's exceptional defensive abilities earned him the honor, and with the retirement of Patrice Bergeron, Barkov may well dominate this category in the years to come.

Interestingly, the detailed voting results were shared, with Barkov topping the ballots. He received my vote as well, and my ballot included Anze Kopitar, Auston Matthews, Adam Lowry, and Roope Hintz as the other contenders. A curious decision was made by one voter who gave Nathan MacKinnon a fifth-place vote for the Selke, raising some eyebrows.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars anxiously await the outcome of the ongoing series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks to determine their Conference Finals opponent. The Oilers managed to force a Game Seven after defeating the Canucks comprehensively in Game Six. Vancouver's struggle to generate offense was evident with only 15 shots on goal, ultimately falling 5-1 to their opponents.

The decisive Game Seven is scheduled for Monday night, with hockey enthusiasts from all over eagerly tuning in to witness the thrilling conclusion. Regardless of the outcome, it seems the Stars are confident in their abilities and believe that they have what it takes to triumph over either team in the Conference Finals.

In other news, there is growing interest in Martin Necas' availability within the NHL. Rumors suggest that he may be up for grabs, sparking intrigue among teams and fans alike. The talented player has caught the attention of numerous potential suitors, and it will be captivating to see how this situation unfolds in the near future.

As the NHL awards continue to be announced, albeit in unusual timing, the league keeps enthusiasts on their toes. With remarkable displays of skill and intense competition, the playoffs continue to captivate fans worldwide, waiting to see which team will ultimately lift the coveted Stanley Cup.