John Carlson is a shoo-in for the Norris Trophy this year, according to Hockey Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier and Larry Murphy,
The two hockey legends joined NBC Sports Washington’s Capitals Talk podcast Wednesday to debate whether the Caps’ star defenseman will take home the hardware at this year’s NHL Awards.
However, there wasn’t much debate at all.
“It is given,” Murphy said, a 2004 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, four-time Stanley Cup champion and Capitals defenseman from 1983 to 1989. “He will win the Norris Trophy this season…He made the decision the past couple of years that he wants to be the best, and that’s determination and commitment right there, and he’s basically elevated himself to that upper echelon of defenseman.”
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE CAPITALS TALK PODCAST
In his 11th season in the league, Carlson took his game to the next level. He led all NHL defenseman in assists and points, set personal records in points and assists and tied his career-high goals in a season. He charted 75 points in 69 games and was on track to push 90 before the season was shortened.
“He’s not underrated anymore,” Trottier said, a 1997 Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Stanley Cup champion who split his time in the league between the Islanders and Penguins. “He’s not one of those guys that can slide under the radar. He’s front and center. He’s a No. 1 defenseman.”
The two noted that Carlson’s ability to distribute the puck, see the ice and use his speed to his advantage as well as his off-the-ice presence make him an ideal candidate for the award.
RELATED: OVECHKIN, OSHIE WANT CARLSON FOR NORRIS
While he is currently the projected winner, Carlson still has to compete with a handful of others for the league’s top defensive honor including Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman, Nashville’s Roman Josi, St. Louis’ Alex Pietrangelo and Carolina’s Dougie Hamilton.
If chosen, Carlson would only be the second Norris winner in Capitals history behind Rod Langway who was selected for the award in consecutive years in 1983 and 1984.
MORE CAPITALS NEWS:
"choice" - Google News
June 13, 2020 at 12:10PM
https://ift.tt/30CS7r8
NHL fans agree Captain is the best dog - NBCSports.com
"choice" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2WiOHpU
https://ift.tt/3c9nRHD
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "NHL fans agree Captain is the best dog - NBCSports.com"
Post a Comment