I won't put up a very long one today as the sudden lack of a "next game" to prepare for sinks in not only for the Senators but for myself as well. For those of you who have enjoyed my writing during the season, thank you very much for your support and I will continue on daily over the off-season, which is sometimes even more fun. For those of you who haven't enjoyed but read anyway, thanks for reading! And for those of you who haven't read, nothing, because you obviously won't see it anyway, but you are welcome to come along for the off-season ride!
Erik Karlsson is going to be able to test his sockless, rhinestone studded shoe look in Vegas if he so chooses, because he will be joining teammate Mark Stone at the NHL awards.
The Norris Trophy nominees were announced yesterday, and Karlsson was one of the three finalists. He joins rival P.K. Subban and Kings defenesman Drew Doughty as the top 3, proving that flash and dash does mean more, at least to the voters, than all around play. Left off the ballot were the likes of Brent Burns, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Duncan Keith.
Personally I was surprised by the three names, not because they aren't deserving but because of the level of top end defensemen that are currently in the game. You could have listed any of 10 different players and I wouldn't have batted an eyelash.
As for who will win, it is anyone's guess. Karlsson had a phenomenal turnaround after the return of Marc Methot, who allowed the new captain to play his game and had his back more than the revolving door of partners he had while Methot was on the shelf. The fact that Karlsson finished with a +7 is pretty remarkable. He also played all 82 games, set a career high in goals and led all blueliners in scoring.
Subban was +21 on a team with a +32 goal differential, and had 60 points, tied for 2nd among defensemen. He led all blueliners with 39 points at even strength, 3 more than Karlsson.
Doughty might be the most surprising nominee, as he was just +3, and his team didn't make the playoffs. Doughty is a personal favorite of mine because of the style he plays but I didn't expect his name to be announced as a finalist this time around.
All three are worthy nominees, but I would prefer to see Karlsson take it, would be OK if Doughty come away with the award, and for a variety of reasons would rather see Subban a distant third.
I will start the season recap and off-season preview starting tomorrow, but right now still just letting the fact that there isn't a game tonight sink in.