Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, as expected, was named one of the three finalists for the Norris Trophy for the NHL's top defenseman. Also as expected, Drew Doughty and Brent Burns are his fellow finalists.

Karlsson won the award last year, for the second time, and had a better statistical season this time around. Karlsson set personal highs in assists (66) and points (82), and finished tied for 4th in NHL scoring. He is looking to become the first defenseman to win the award while not playing for a playoff team and is just the second defenseman in the last 20 years to reach 80 points.

There was a groundswell of support for Drew Doughty as the season wound down, more of a "he is due" sentiment rather than him actually having the best season this year. Burns also had a tremendous season, notching 27 goals and 77 points, finishing just outside the top 10 in scoring.

In a situation where there is an acknowledged "east coast bias" for Eastern Conference players, having 2 nominees from the West probably means more of a split in the vote between the King and the Shark, and that Karlsson has a very good shot at making it 3 Norris Trophies in 5 seasons.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with his style of play or the fact that offensive numbers are often a determining factor in awarding the best defenseman, winning a third Norris would put Karlsson in elite, Hall of Fame company and he will have done it by the age of 26.

While we have to wait until late June to see if the Senators organization gets that win, the organization and its fans will be on the edge of their seats tonight as they look for their second big win of the week.

After Eugene Melnyk won the recommendation for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats as a long-term win, the Senators face long odds, but have a chance, at gaining a top 3 pick at tonight's NHL Draft Lottery.

Ottawa hasn't picked in the top five since 2001 when they nabbed franchise center Jason Spezza with the 2nd overall pick acquired from the Islanders.

The Senators currently sit in the 12th spot, and have a 2.5% chance of winning the first pick and just under 10% chance of moving in to the top 3. The twist this season is that every team is more likely to not win the first overall pick than they are to win it, which makes it more interesting for all non-playoff teams.

If the Senators could nab a top 3 pick, even if it is not the number 1 selection, it would be a game changer, as the Finns who are expected to go 2nd and 3rd, especially Patrik Laine, have closed the gap on Auston Matthews in recent weeks.

Is it too much to expect 2 doses of good news in such a short period of time (or a third if you count Karlsson's nomination)? Probably, but hey, there is a chance. And the superstition is that things come in 3's.

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