Norris Finalists (best defenseman): Chara, Lidstrom, Green.

[Forkboy]

Will Chara, Green derail Lidstrom's bid for 7th Norris?

Will it be a lucky seven for Nicklas Lidstrom in Las Vegas?

Lidstrom, the Detroit Red Wings' star defenseman and winner of six of the last seven Norris Trophies as the NHL's top defenseman, is in the running for a seventh on June 18 when the NHL Awards are handed out in Vegas at the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel (VERSUS, CBC).

The other finalists as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association are Boston Bruins' captain Zdeno Chara and Washington Capitals dynamo Mike Green.

The Norris, named for the owner of the Detroit Red Wings from 1933 until his death in 1952, has gone to Lidstrom in six of the past seven years, creating a dynasty for defensive excellence. In those years, the other nominees had to be content with the honor of being a finalist.

This time around, Lidstrom is again a nominee, but the outcome is not so certain. Not because Lidstrom had an off year, but because of the strong candidacies of Chara and Green.

"It's always an honor being nominated and I know the other two players have had really solid seasons as well, but I've never taken it for granted and it's a real honor," Lidstrom said.

The strongest argument for Lidstrom might be contained in the award's terms, "all-around ability," because Lidstrom's skill set falls between the outstanding offensive capability of Green and the smothering defensive work of Chara. Green's excellent defense and Chara's impressive offensive contributions often get overlooked, but perhaps not this year.

Here's a look at the finalists.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419733

Good picks. I'm obviously biased towards Chara, but Lidstrom is the best defenseman I've ever seen outside of Bobby Orr. And I say that as someone who watched Bourque's years in Boston with awe.

[Upton]

1. Sure I'm a Sharks fan

but it seems to me Dan Boyle should have been given some consideration....16 goals 41 assists and is great with the puck, who knows where the Sharks would have finished without him.

The only downside is Boyle only had a +6 rating on a team that scored some 50 more goals than it allowed.

[Forkboy]

3. On that we'll agree.

[LisaM]

2. Lidstrom is such a great player

I always wondered how Konstantinov's career would have played out though.

I'll say one thing for the women reading this (or heck, men who might care), if you want to see some nice ass, don't miss the NHL awards.

[MrSlayer]

4. I think Chara takes it this year.

Lidstrom was his usual great self but Chara was outstanding. Green will get his as the years go by, that kid is very good.

[Forkboy]

5. I'm thinking so, too.

If for no other reason than the voters might just want to pick someone different for a change. At the rate they're going they should just rename it the Lidstrom Award. :)

[MrSlayer]

6. After he retires, they might.

He's dominated the blue line for over a decade. One of the best I've ever seen.

[joeybee12]

7. Go Zdeno! n/t