The Frank J. Selke Trophy, annually presented to the NHL’s top defensive forward, was awarded Sunday to Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron for the fifth time, an NHL record.

A three-time All-Star, Bergeron, 36, had been tied with former Montreal Canadiens standout Bob Gainey, who won the award four times from 1977-81.

Bergeron previously won the award in 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17.

“I’ve had so much help along the way, so many people I need to thank,” Bergeron said. “I’m humbled by the honor and I’m sharing this award with my teammates, past and present, my coaches, trainers and the whole Boston Bruins organization. Thank you for making me a better player and person.”

Bergeron led the NHL in faceoff percentage (61.9 percent) and faceoffs won (991), while finishing second in faceoffs taken (1,600). He ranked second among Bruins forwards in blocked shots (45).

He finished third on the team in points with 65 (25 goals, 40 assists) in helping the Bruins reach the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, was presented to Bergeron by Doug Jarvis, a 1984 winner with the Washington Capitals.

“I want to thank the Bruins fans, you guys are incredible,” Bergeron said. “Thanks for giving us the extra jump we need some nights. And also to my wife (Stephanie Bertrand) and three beautiful kids, Zach, Victoria and Noah. Thanks for always being there for me no matter what.”

2021-22 Frank J. Selke Trophy Voting (top five vote-getters)
Pts (1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th)
1. Patrice Bergeron, Boston, 1798 (160-20-11-0-3)
2. Elias Lindholm, Calgary, 878 (21-46-50-28-12)
3. Aleksander Barkov, Florida, 746 (10-52-40-22-16)
4. Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis, 415 (1-16-28-39-36)
5. Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay, 385 (0-28-19-22-28)

–Field Level Media