Follow @james_tanner123 This is how Weezer probably feels whenever they write a new song:
"Uh hey guys, doesn't this sound exactly like all 422 of our other songs?"
And so, predictably I am here to write the hockey-blog equivalent of the 83rd variation of "Buddy Holly."
17th Place?
17th ____(multiple expletives deleted) PLACE?
146 separate voters voted Erik Karlsson into first place and his second Norris Trophy.
Five voters saw fit to even put OEL on their ballot.
Congratulations to Karlsson, but I am sure he feels somewhat like Beck when he takes a Grammy he knows he didn't deserve over the 49 people who put together that Beyonce "record."
I'm Kidding, EK deserves it. He's awesome, and it's not like OEL is the runaway choice - he just lead the NHL in goals and defensive Corsi. No big deal.
Steven Burtch writes for Sportsnet, He's a math teacher and hockey writer. He does work on WaronIce.com and he's one of the best analytics guys out there. According to him, DCorsi is the best stat for measure the total effectiveness of a defenseman. OEL lead the league.
Traditionalists love goals, OEL lead all D in those too.
He can't lead the league in points though because the forwards on his team were AHL quality and never scored, making it hard to rack up assists.
Here's what Burtch had to say aboiut OEL
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has scored an amazing 23 goals and leads all NHL defenders in dCorsi Impact. Specifically, he makes the largest impact in terms of shot suppression in the league. Unfortunately, playing for a team in full tank mode in Arizona negates many of the positives. He is another unlikely nominee for the Norris.
OK, I get it. I hear everyone's objections. I understand why you can't give the Norris Trophy to a player on the second worst team in the NHL.
This article isn't about how he didn't win. It's about how he got 17th in voting.
It's as if the voters are intentionally mocking the analytics movement with these ridiculous picks.
Ask any advanced stats writers or aficionados, they do not think Josi or Weber should be ranked so high. They were ranked fourth and fifth in total votes. Ryan Suter was 9th. Ryan Suter? Are you kidding me?
And where is Nick Leddy? He's 16th. That's bizarre. That's almost worse than OEL at 17th. At least Leddy made the Playoffs. You could easily argue him for the win.
Stralman? 13th
Yeah, he's the 13th best D in the league like I'm OEL's 13th biggest fan.
In other words, he's way way better.
And Jake Muzzin?
HE'S NOT EVEN ON THE LIST.
I can't believe these fools didn't just give the damned Norris to Dan Giardi. I mean, you've gone 75% down the road to crazy town, why did you stop?
The formula for voting is obviously: Reputation + total points + you have to have first heard of the player you're voting for.
It's a joke.
And really, I made my piece with the NHL awards long before Shaka Khan came to town. I know they're virtually meaningless, but knowing that doesn't make it more palatable, to be honest.
I don't have a problem with Karlsson winning. If I am unbiased and fair, either he or PK Subban probably does deserve to win it. But you could have given it to Leddy, OEL or Stralman no problems. At least have them in the top ten so the award isn't a total joke.
I just think if these awards are going to exist, it might be time to get qualified people to vote on them.
Thanks for reading.