DETROIT -- Phoenix Coyotes center Robert Lang is continually amazed by former Detroit Red Wings teammate Pavel Datsyuk's ability to strip unsuspecting opponents of the puck.

"I think I see him do that more than anybody in the league," Lang said. "He sneaks up on guys from behind. He's quicker and stronger than people give him credit for."

Datsyuk didn't sneak up on anybody Tuesday, when, as expected, he was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.

Datsyuk has won the award the past two years, partly because of his ability to steal the puck. He led the league 132 takeaways this season, 49 more than runner-up Ryan Kesler of Vancouver, who also is a finalist, along with Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal.

"He's so good at waiting until the last moment to lift someone's stick," Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Players don't know he's right behind them and he waits until he can get that puck.

"We see him on the offensive side, how good he is hanging onto the puck, but he's just as good on the defensive side, too, the way he can angle players off and take plays off the puck."

Datsyuk has led the league in takeaways in three of the past four seasons.

Teammate Henrik Zetterberg, also one of the top defensive forwards in the game, said of Datsyuk: "He's amazing. When you sit on the bench, you just start laughing sometimes because he's doing stuff you're not supposed to do.

"I think he deserves (the Selke). It'll be fun to see him win it again."

The winner will be announced June 23 at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.

Datsyuk can become only the second player to win the Selke in three or more consecutive seasons, joining Montreal's Bob Gainey, who won it four years in a row from 1977-78 to 1990-81, when the trophy first was introduced.

Datsyuk wasn't as productive offensively with 70 points -- 27 fewer than his total from each of the previous two seasons. But Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Datsyuk continued to excel without the puck because of his work ethic and determination.

"He's an exceptional two-way player, and his trophies prove that," Babcock said. "Pavel's an elite player, period. One of the best players, I believe, in the world. I've had the opportunity to coach a lot of really good players, and to me he has those instincts and that skill set that allow him to be very successful."

Rookie Justin Abdelkader said Datsyuk's commitment to play both ends of the rink sets an example for younger players.

"When he's committed to defense, how is anyone to say they can't be committed, too?," Abdelkader said. "It sends a message to everyone else. He doesn't have to say anything. It's how he plays on the ice and shows it."

Datsyuk also is expected to be finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy when those nominees are revealed Wednesday. He has won the award for sportsmanship, combined with a high level of play, three consecutive years.