Norris Trophy Finalists: Burns vs. Hedman vs. Karlsson
Why Brent Burns Deserves The Norris
From the NHL:
Burns, 32, a Norris Trophy finalist for the second straight season, set San Jose records for defensemen and led all defensemen in goals (29) and points (76). He led the League with 320 shots on goal and ranked seventh in total ice time (2,038:44). Burns played in all 82 games for a third straight season and the Sharks took 223 more shots than they allowed with Burns on the ice at 5-on-5. He drove puck possession with a 53.55 SAT percentage in 5-on-5 situations.
Burns didn’t just drive puck possession – he was a possession beast. He had a 14.77 Corsi-for relative to his teammates (per 60), which was best in the NHL for all skaters.
Why Victor Hedman Deserves The Norris
From the NHL:
Hedman, 26, a first-time finalist, was first among defensemen and fourth overall with a career-high 56 assists in 79 games. He also set career highs in goals (16) and points (72), which ranked second among defensemen and were the most by a Lightning defenseman since Roman Hamrlik had 65 points during the 1995-96 season. Hedman finished second in the NHL with 33 power-play points, and led the NHL with 29 power-play assists. The Lightning controlled 53.39 percent of all shots when Hedman was on the ice.
Perhaps most impressive for Hedman, in comparison to previous season, is that he did much of this away from Anton Stralman, who certainly bolstered his numbers in the past as his defensive partner.
Why Erik Karlsson Deserves The Norris
From the NHL:
Karlsson, 26, can win the trophy for the third time (2012, 2015). He played 77 games and ranked third among defensemen with 71 points (17 goals, 54 assists). The Senators captain was tied for eighth in the League and was tied for second among defensemen with 27 power-play points (four goals, 23 assists) and was sixth among defenseman with 218 shots on goal. He was fourth in the NHL in average ice time (26:50) and even-strength average ice time (21:00).
His 59 takeaways were six better than Burns. And nary a word about his 201 blocked shots?
If I were not allowed to turn around and trade him, yes, that's correct. He gets paid too much to bury on the 3 pairing, and bring out for PPs. - prock
Wow.............. don't you understand how stupid you look to everyone?
You're claiming, that it you were the leafs GM, and received two time Norris winner, and pretty much a perennial Norris candidate...... for FREE ........... you'd see him as a "third pairing" D man?
lol:
you're just digging this Karlsson is NFG hole deeper and deeper eh?
Location: Bobby Ryan + 1st rounder for Clarkson, ON Joined: 08.30.2007
Apr 22 @ 10:47 AM ET
Wow.............. don't you understand how stupid you look to everyone?
You're claiming, that it you were the leafs GM, and received two time Norris winner, and pretty much a perennial Norris candidate...... for FREE ........... you'd see him as a "third pairing" D man?
lol:
you're just digging this Karlsson is NFG hole deeper and deeper eh? - D0PPELGANGER
correct. he's ideal as a role player p.p. specialist.
Karlsson has won the Norris twice before in 2011-12 and 2014-15. What makes this year different is the whole "buy-in" narrative surrounding him and Senators coach Guy Boucher. Boucher's systems rely on defensive responsibility, and I suppose there was some question that Karlsson would "buy in" to that philosophy.
At any rate, he has. Karlsson trailed only Kris Russel in blocked shots this year (201). Anyone can block shots, but even his teammates have praised his ability to turn that stat into an asset for his signature offensive game:
"The blocks are so well thought out," veteran Senators centre Chris Kelly said. "It's not just going out there and fronting it, he's realizing when the proper time is to block the shot and get the play going."
He also finished third in takeaways (65). And added attention to detail didn't hurt his playmaking: Karlsson finished with 71 points and a Corsi For % of 49.72 at even-strength. He has a strong case, especially since his defensive game was more improved than last season.
Burns has a few compelling arguments. He led NHL defensemen in points (76), the whole league in shots on goal (320) and defenseman goals (29). Burns' even-strength CF% was through the roof at 53.71.
He also led defenseman with 153 giveaways, but don't worry about that part. Just don't worry about it. (Karlsson was second with 106.)
Location: Bobby Ryan + 1st rounder for Clarkson, ON Joined: 08.30.2007
Apr 23 @ 8:47 AM ET
Well you're the only one with that opinion................ no one agrees with you.......... so your opinion is either super biased, or wrong. - D0PPELGANGER
Wow.............. don't you understand how stupid you look to everyone?
You're claiming, that it you were the leafs GM, and received two time Norris winner, and pretty much a perennial Norris candidate...... for FREE ........... you'd see him as a "third pairing" D man?
lol:
you're just digging this Karlsson is NFG hole deeper and deeper eh? - D0PPELGANGER
Burns points per game: 0.9268
Burns shot blocks per game: 1.7317
Burns takeaways per game: 0.65
Burns giveaways per game: 1.87
Burns average time on ice: 24:52
Burns short handed time on ice per game: 1:43
Karlsson points per game: 0.9220
Karlsson shot blocks per game: 2.6103
Karlsson takeaways per game: 0.77
Karlsson giveaways per game: 1.38
Karlsson average time on ice: 26:50
Karlsson short handed time on ice per game: 2:09
Karlsson played more minutes each game, and Karlsson spent more time on the PK, playing against other team's best offensive threats in a purely defensive aspect.
Karlsson had more PP points and Sens had a higher PP%, meaning that Karlsson was better against others teams best defensive players in a purely offensive situation too.
Location: Dude has all the personality of a lump of concrete. Just a complete lizard. Joined: 06.26.2006
May 6 @ 8:27 PM ET
You're ridiculous. What specifically from my post about Karlsson indicated that I'm a Karlsson hater? Or even that I was slagging his play?
I was categorizing him as a defender who succeeds by outscoring, and highlighted some of the pros and cons of that style of play. Then, I stated my preference for a different type of defender, and opined that those types would have a better chance at winning the Norris. - Morris
If I were not allowed to turn around and trade him, yes, that's correct. He gets paid too much to bury on the 3 pairing, and bring out for PPs. - prock
“How often does he actually give up a two-on-one or an odd-man rush? If he ever does, he catches the guy. He’s so calculated the way he does stuff. And this is a guy who played with (San Jose’s) Brent Burns. You’re talking about two of the top offensive defensive players in the league, in the world. So that was cool to hear.”
