April 17, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg (40) and Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) battle for the puck in the first period of game four of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
Following in the footsteps of his goalie, Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber is heading back to Las Vegas as a finalist for the 2012 Norris Trophy, which goes to the blueliner who "demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position", as voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Like Pekka Rinne, this is Weber's second year in a row as a contender for a major NHL award. In 2011, Weber lost out to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom.
I laid out my case for Weber back in early March, and the same arguments still apply. Honestly, I could see this award going to any one of these finalists, even if I'd give Weber the edge in "all-around ability".
Shea Weber
#6 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators
6-4
232
Aug 14, 1985
Why He'll Win: Does it all - defends, scores & plays physically.
Why He Won't: Only 6th in NHL D scoring, which is where many voters look first.
The other finalists are...
Zdeno Chara
#33 / Defenseman / Boston Bruins
6-9
255
Mar 18, 1977
Why He'll Win: Suffocating defender, has won before (2009)
Why He Won't: Will writers in the East split between he & Karlsson?
Erik Karlsson
#65 / Defenseman / Ottawa Senators
6-0
175
May 31, 1990
Why He'll Win: Eye-popping assists
Why He Won't: Just 0:33 of PK ice time per game, not a stopper
Poll
Who will win the 2012 Norris Trophy?
Zdeno Chara (26 votes)
Erik Karlsson (47 votes)
Shea Weber (350 votes)
423 total votes
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