from Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun,
Clear as ever is the NHL's need to come up with a Bobby Orr Award.
Erik Karlsson does not deserve the Norris Trophy presented to the best "all-round" defenceman in the league. His focus in his own end is not the same as it was when he won the plaque two years ago. He cheats his defensive duties, looking to go on the attack before it's safe to do so.
As the same time, what Karlsson is doing offensively this season is certainly worthy of year-end recognition.
Heading into Friday's game against the Blackhawks, the slick Swede had scored 20 goals, 49 assists and a dozen more points than the next highest scoring D-man in the league.
That would be Chicago's Duncan Keith, whose plus-23 rating was also plus-40 better than the one Karlsson was toting.
Forget about his giveaway on the Senators first goal Friday -- for his all round play this season, Keith should get the Norris. Shea Weber (20 goals, 48 points, minus-6) will also get some votes, if anyone is looking past the numbers. Karlsson should still be the third finalist.
What's next, and award for the power forward who scores 30 goals, 100+ in penalty minutes and plays an all around game but will never win any major hardware?
An absolute joke you would want to create an award to meet what the home town player brings. Maybe they should just create the HomeTown Trophy, given to one player on every NHL team, voted on by the home team writers/beat writers.
For example, Helene, who would you vote for? Oh Zetterberg, has a great beard and those snowballs taste real good.
Damien? Forget the players, give it to the coach for putting up with the players.
Adrian? Peter Forsberg.
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