Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy is awarded to "the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position" as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
The Norris Trophy was presented to the NHL in 1953-54 by the four children of the late James Norris in memory of the former owner of the Detroit Red Wings.
Previous Red Wings winners: Red Kelly (1954), Paul Coffey (1995), and Nicklas Lidstrom (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008). Notable past winners: Bobby Orr (eight consecutive times), Doug Harvey (seven), Raymond Bourque (five) Pierre Pilote (three), Denis Potvin (three), Chris Chelios (three), Paul Coffey (three).
This year's finalists for the Norris Trophy are: Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, Mike Green of the Washington Capitals, and Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings.
Zdeno Chara, Boston
Chara led the NHL's stingiest defense allowing just 2.29 goals against per game. He played an average of 26:04 per game (sixth highest in the NHL) and was 12th in defenseman scoring with 19 goals and 31 assists for 50 points. He was +23 during the season, and had a streak of 13 consecutive games where he was even or better. This is Chara's third time nominated for the award and second consecutive season.
Mike Green, Washington
Green led all NHL defenseman in scoring with 73 points and goals (31) in just 68 games and was +24. He became the first defenseman to score 30 goals in a season since Kevin Hatcher in 1992-93, and just the seventh in league history. Green set an NHL record for defenseman scoring at least one goal in eight consecutive games, breaking the 25-year old record of seven games held by Mike O'Connell. This is Green's first nomination for the award.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit
Lidstrom ranked third in scoring by defenseman with 16-43-59 totals, and tied a career high with 10 powerplay goals. He was seventh overall in the NHL with a +31 rating, and this marks the 17th consecutive season he has been a plus player. He led the Red Wings in average time on ice with 24:49 per game. Lidstrom is a finalist for this award for the 10th time in the past 11 seasons and has won the Norris Trophy six times, including the past three seasons in a row.
The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 18 during the 2009 NHL Awards Show from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas and broadcast on Versus in the United States and on CBC in Canada. For more on the Awards please visit: nhl.com
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Comments
I am hoping Nick brings it home again!! He deserves it!! I am also a homer and enjoy seeing the man play at every game! He started out slow but proves consistent.
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