Following in the footsteps of his goalie, Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber is heading back to Las Vegas as a finalist for the 2012 Norris Trophy, which goes to the blueliner who "demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position", as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Like Pekka Rinne, this is Weber's second year in a row as a contender for a major NHL award. In 2011, Weber lost out to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom.
I laid out my case for Weber back in early March, and the same arguments still apply. Honestly, I could see this award going to any one of these finalists, even if I'd give Weber the edge in "all-around ability".
Shea Weber
#6 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators
6-4
232
Aug 14, 1985
Why He'll Win: Does it all - defends, scores & plays physically.
Why He Won't: Only 6th in NHL D scoring, which is where many voters look first.
| GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | SOG | PCT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - Shea Weber | 78 | 19 | 30 | 49 | +21 | 46 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 230 | 8.3 |
The other finalists are...
Zdeno Chara
#33 / Defenseman / Boston Bruins
6-9
255
Mar 18, 1977
Why He'll Win: Suffocating defender, has won before (2009)
Why He Won't: Will writers in the East split between he & Karlsson?
| GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | SOG | PCT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - Zdeno Chara | 79 | 12 | 40 | 52 | +33 | 86 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 224 | 5.4 |
Erik Karlsson
#65 / Defenseman / Ottawa Senators
6-0
175
May 31, 1990
Why He'll Win: Eye-popping assists
Why He Won't: Just 0:33 of PK ice time per game, not a stopper
| GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | GWG | SOG | PCT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 - Erik Karlsson | 81 | 19 | 59 | 78 | +16 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 261 | 7.3 |
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