James Norris Memorial Trophy

[jayc948]

The James Norris Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

NICKLAS LIDSTROM - Detroit Red Wings
- Earned his seventh nomination as Norris finalist in the past eight seasons; has won the award three times, from 2001 through 2003.
- Led all defensemen in scoring with a career-high 80 points (16 goals, 64 assists) in 80 games.
- Ranked third in the NHL in ice time per game (28:06), posted a +21 rating.

SCOTT NIEDERMAYER - Anaheim Mighty Ducks
- A Norris finalist for the second consecutive season; won the award with New Jersey in 2004.
- Ranked sixth among NHL defensemen with 63 points (13 goals, 50 assists), setting single-season career highs in assists and points.
- Appeared in all 82 games and led the Ducks in ice time per game (25:30).

SERGEI ZUBOV - Dallas Stars
- Voted a Norris Trophy finalist for the first time.
- Finished second among NHL defensemen in scoring with 71 points (13 goals, 58 assists).
- Ranked sixth in the NHL in ice time per game (26:26).
- Passed Craig Hartsburg as the Stars' all-time scoring leader among defensemen.

[Dunrobin]

Redden isn't nominated??????? WTF he leads in +/- what a load of crap!!!!

[Isles4life]

Lidstrom was back in his old form this season, even if it didn't help come playoff time.

[suckerpunch]

Originally Posted by Dunrobin

Redden isn't nominated??????? WTF he leads in +/- what a load of crap!!!!

I am really disappointed that Chara (or Redden for that matter) were passed up. I guess they just don't have the stats.

Bsed purely on stats, Lidstrom gets my vote. Based on intangibles like courage, leadership and heart, Scotty Neidermeyer hands down.

[BloodontheTrack]

Bsed purely on stats, Lidstrom gets my vote. Based on intangibles like courage, leadership and heart, Scotty Neidermeyer hands down.[/quote]

Well said Suckerpunch. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Nieds this year. He instantly made the Ducks credible. What a great acquisition by Burke.

I know Lidstrom had the better offensive numbers, but there is no way that Lidstrom had a greater impact on the success and failure of his franchise's season. The wings are loaded with talent and the Ducks have a bunch of rooks. (Look what being paired with Nieds has done for Beauchemin.) Plus I never understood how you can judge a d-man by his offensive production alone. I don't know when voting takes place, but if it is after the Wings lost to the eight seed, Niedermayer has a shot at winning the Norris.

[Baronking]

Originally Posted by Dunrobin

Redden isn't nominated??????? WTF he leads in +/- what a load of crap!!!!

There are 29 other teams in the league not named the Ottawa Senators. 3 guys get nominated and its not that shocking that a player on your favorite teams isnt one of them. Get over it.

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by Dunrobin

Redden isn't nominated??????? WTF he leads in +/- what a load of crap!!!!

What a

+/- for the leading scoring team isnt all that impressive, also considering he isnt top 10 in points, top 10 in assists or top 20 in goals... it doesnt shock me a bit.

[NJDevils17]

i think niedermayer will win. even though he left us (devils) i still think he's a good defenseman.

[bengino]

i say give it to Zubov, Lidstrom is a good player, but he was playing on a team of ballet dancers in Detroit, and Neidermayer... well i don't think he was that great this season.

[Ornskoldsvik]

Lidstroms will win, stats are that importent, especially nowadays. I mean, the new NHL is all about scoring and then of course the leading scorer among D will win the Norris. It doesn't means he is the best, but thats what I believe is going to happen.

[Saskachuck]

Originally Posted by bengino

Lidstrom is a good player, but he was playing on a team of ballet dancers in Detroit

LOL, there's some truth to that...but I still think Lidstrom deserves the Norris. One of the 5 or 6 best defensemen of all-time.