Lidstrom, Chara, Weber named finalists for the Norris trophy

The Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom showed no signs of slowing in his 19TH season. By James Guillory, US Presswire

Nicklas Lidstrom is a finalist for the Norris trophy for the 11th time in the last 13 seasons. He has won six times since 2001.

By James Guillory, US Presswire

Nicklas Lidstrom is a finalist for the Norris trophy for the 11th time in the last 13 seasons. He has won six times since 2001.

As a result, he is a finalist again for the Norris Trophy as top defenceman. He is joined by the winner of the 2008-09 Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins) and Shea Weber. Lidstrom of Nashville Predators, who turns 41 on Thursday, with 62 points, finished second among NHL defensemen, and was the oldest azul-forro to record a season 60 points. He put together a streak of 11-point game and had his first career hat-trick for the Central Division-leading Red Wings. Lidstrom won the Norris trophy six of the last nine seasons and was a finalist in 11 of the past 13 seasons. If he wins this season, he'll tie Doug Harvey more trophies for second behind Bobby Orr (eight). "It's always an honor to be nominated "Lidstrom told the Detroit Free Press. "I was nominated last year, so I guess that means you had a solid season."This means even more as you get older. You appreciate it more. You know how difficult it is to put every effort in season to prepare for a long year. I'm very proud to be named. "Chara, 34, led the NHL this season with a plus-35 rating, tying a career-high. He led the Bruins in average ice time (25: 26) and had 44 points. Chara led a team of high 264 shots and had 153 hits, 111 shots blocked and 32 in 81 games. This is the fourth time as finalist.Weber, 25, finalist for the first time, had one of his best seasons in his first year as captain of predators. He established career highs in games (82), the average ice time (25: 16), assists (32) and shots (254). He also had 211 hits, 113 shots blocked and 62 arguments. The predators went 13-2-1 when he scored a goal. Members of the Association of professional hockey writers vote the Norris trophy before the start of the playoffs. The top three vote-getters are finalists. The winner will be announced on June 22 at the annnual awards show in Las Vegas.

Collaborators: Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

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