Media-types have Letang as front-runner for Norris

[tfrizz]

So, no surprise, but I've seen Letang being named favourite for the Norris Trophy this season. The other two names that come up frequently are Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Alex Pietrangelo.

I don't know how I feel about that. I always hated the idea that the Norris goes to the highest scoring defenseman, and OEL is head-and-shoulders over him defensively. Not to mention a Norris Trophy this season gives him a ton of leverage heading into a contract year.

[PensHckyFan79]

I can't remember but I think it was NHL.com that posted an Norris Tracker article a day or two ago and named Chara the front runner and Letang and Ekman-Larsson as in the running

[iWonTheCup87]

Letang has struggled some on defensive this year so i dont consider him for the Norris right now. His offense has been great but i also hate how they just give it to the highest scoring D man. Mike Green is complete trash at DEFENSE and he got it because he had an offensive explosion the one year. I always tell caps fans here how overrated he is and how bad he is at defense but they are so stupid and say no he won a Norris blah blah.

[Pavel Bure]

Letang has struggled some on defensive this year so i dont consider him for the Norris right now. His offense has been great but i also hate how they just give it to the highest scoring D man. Mike Green is complete trash at DEFENSE and he got it because he had an offensive explosion the one year. I always tell caps fans here how overrated he is and how bad he is at defense but they are so stupid and say no he won a Norris blah blah.

I mean Mike Green's offensive year was historic for a D-man. He was the first one since Kevin freakin Hatcher to score 30 goals in a season. He also didn't win the Norris or make the Olympic team so I'd say voters certainly take more than offense into consideration.

[mikey287]

Those Caps fans are even stupider than the usual ones, as Mike Green has never won the Norris.

[Admin]

Those Caps fans are even stupider than the usual ones, as Mike Green has never won the Norris.

He won in 2004-05.

[meow]

Those Caps fans are even stupider than the usual ones, as Mike Green has never won the Norris.

He won in 2004-05.

I won the Hart that year

[beLIEve]

Inexplicably leaving the front of the net to attack Bergeron last night, a player who couldn't have been further from scoring position, directly lead to the Seguin goal. That play alone should have him out of contention for the trophy. And I'm not a Letang hater by any means.

[columbia]

oreally.jpg

[Penspal]

If Mike Green and Erik Karlsson can win, then why can't Kris Letang? I understand what defence has historically meant, but these players redefine the position.

- 27 pts in 24 games, leads all defenceman in scoring by NINE points
- plus 11 (tied for 5th best)
- avgs over 26 mins a game (6th most)
- only 8 penalty minutes (for a supposed hothead, he's keeping his cool)
- While not a tall player, he's strong as an Ox and has crushed players this year.
- skates like the wind and has erased chances due to his speed

He's been very consistent while having various D partners all year. Whether he wins or not, he's very worthy of Norris consideration

[meow]

Why do people think Mike Green won a Norris? Did not happen

[Pavel Bure]

If Mike Green and Erik Karlsson can win, then why can't Kris Letang? I understand what defence has historically meant, but these players redefine the position.

- 27 pts in 24 games, leads all defenceman in scoring by NINE points
- plus 11 (tied for 5th best)
- avgs over 26 mins a game (6th most)
- only 8 penalty minutes (for a supposed hothead, he's keeping his cool)
- While not a tall player, he's strong as an Ox and has crushed players this year.
- skates like the wind and has erased chances due to his speed

He's been very consistent while having various D partners all year. Whether he wins or not, he's very worthy of Norris consideration

Mike Green never won.

[Froggy]

Letang better win. If not, there will be outrage the likes of which has not been seen since Mike Green won the Norris Trophy

[mikey287]

It's not that Letang can't...but Erik Karlsson's season was a historically great one in terms of offense. Just ridiculous.

In fact, the Finnish season ended recently and Karlsson played there during the lockout, so obviously he left when the NHL started up when the season ended, he still led all d-men in the league in points despite leaving at the halfway point. In fact, his points per game average was only challenged by a couple forwards in that league...a league that I would rate around 5th in the world.

[Lt. Dish]

Letang better win. If not, there will be outrage the likes of which has not been seen since Mike Green won the Norris Trophy

Coffee everywhere and I ain't even mad.

[FLPensFan]

Would be really easy to fix by creating the Bobby Orr trophy for highest scoring defenseman, and leaving Norris trophy for best defensive play by a defenseman. Should have been done years ago.

[Mongoose87]

Mike Green deserved the Norris, but Chara won it.

[relantel]

wasn't too long ago that Letang and Martin were tied in points.

If Letang can maintain/widen his scoring margin, and keep improving on the +/- (or stay above +10), he would be a shoo-in to be a finalist. Double the margin might earn the trophy itself.

Just recall the last time he had a Norris-like start - 10/11 - where he fell off the face of the earth when 87/71 were out.

[mikey287]

Would be really easy to fix by creating the Bobby Orr trophy for highest scoring defenseman, and leaving Norris trophy for best defensive play by a defenseman. Should have been done years ago.

The Coffey Cup?

[FLPensFan]

Would be really easy to fix by creating the Bobby Orr trophy for highest scoring defenseman, and leaving Norris trophy for best defensive play by a defenseman. Should have been done years ago.

The Coffey Cup?

The Bourque Bowl?

[shmenguin]

the green jacket

[MRandall25]

"Best Defenseman" and "Most Points by a Defenseman".

[Froggy]

Letang isn't even the best defenseman on his team!

[NashvilleCat]

Would be really easy to fix by creating the Bobby Orr trophy for highest scoring defenseman, and leaving Norris trophy for best defensive play by a defenseman. Should have been done years ago.

The Coffey Cup?

The Bourque Bowl?

The Bobby Orb?

[mikey287]

And we have a new winner!