Letang for Norris?

[Regal]

I think he'll be hurt by the Pens record unless they turn it around. The Norris seems to be more narrative driven than the other awards and Letang doesn't seem to fit that bill really. While he's had high finishes before I don't get the sense that he has the "he's due" aspect in his favour. Should they keep it up my bet would be Rielly or Gio. If the Leafs end up with a huge season, I think Rielly taking a step will get a lot of the praise, and likewise for Giordano if Calgary keeps it up and ends up finally putting it together and winning the Pacific.

 

[Machinehead]

Letang is awesome

 

[Foots]

Not to mention his multiple assists in 2016.

Weird statement honestly since Letang is 2-1 against the Caps with some pretty clutch play on his resume.

I still prefer him on the ice against the Caps.

 

[JackFr]

I can’t see them giving it to McDonagh given he plays on a team with Hedman.

I think top three is like Gio/Carlson, Reilly and Letang. Letang has finished top five a few times. I could easily see them giving it this year.

McDonagh has ALL the hype this year. His analytics aren't great but he's been given very tough minutes, matchups, and zone starts. Norris is all about hype and he's got it

 

[Filthy Dangles]

HF told me Letang sucks and that he is a moron who doesn't know how to play defense, so he has no chance. HF dictates who wins what.

I mean i've seen penguin fans criticize his hockey IQ and decision making a lot too. he does make dumb decisions here and there but he's a pretty good defenseman.

 

[that is unfortunate]

Nope last years playoffs exclude him from any future Norris considerations

 

[Gurglesons]

I still prefer him on the ice against the Caps.

Sick. Well, if the Pens make the playoffs I’m sure you’ll see it lol.

 

[filinski77]

Letang definitely has to be up there, but is currently 9 points behind the leader in d-man scoring. Carlson is 2 points back of the scoring lead, with 2 games less played. If he finished first in d-man scoring for the second straight year, he probably wins it (regardless of the fact that he's not actually the top d-man in the league, just the way the voting works with the norris).

 

[guzzy]

Gio is playing way better than Letang. Reilly will likely win because of east coast media influence and percentage of votes. Gio is the best two way dman compared to the top 5 or 6 scoring dmen.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Haha, no.

 

[Foots]

Sick. Well, if the Pens make the playoffs I’m sure you’ll see it lol.

Caps-Pens in the playoffs? Make it happen Gary!

 

[josra33]

Such a gifted offence-generator.

"Should I pass it to Crosby? Or Malkin?"

A star watcher I see... well maybe don’t talk unless you’ve actually seen his play this year...

 

[The S5]

LOL, in no way shape or form should Letang win a Norris. Bye.

 

[Nizdizzle]

Gio is playing way better than Letang. Reilly will likely win because of east coast media influence and percentage of votes. Gio is the best two way dman compared to the top 5 or 6 scoring dmen.

The lamest excuse used all the time by West Coast folks when they don't win every award.

 

[guzzy]

The lamest excuse used all the time by West Coast folks when they don't win every award.

Theodore over Iggy ring a bell? Yet Iggy was voted number one by his peers. Yep, excuse by west coast folks. 80% of the votes come from the east.

 

[Riddum]

I mean i've seen penguin fans criticize his hockey IQ and decision making a lot too. he does make dumb decisions here and there but he's a pretty good defenseman.

Thing is, no player is perfect. Whenever I read through a GDT, I'm shocked by how badly fans criticize players. You would think no player is good lol.

 

[Nizdizzle]

Theodore over Iggy ring a bell? Yet Iggy was voted number one by his peers. Yep, excuse by west coast folks. 80% of the votes come from the east.

The Hart trophy voting from 17 years ago is really the hill you choose to die on?

 

[CF84]

It's a good hill.

 

[ricky0034]

I think Letang likely wins a Norris in either 2013 or 2016 if he stays healthy. Wonder if they give him this one given the field is diluted and the younger players haven’t “earned it.”

huh? 2013 I could see but 2016? that's the season Karlsson was top 5 in scoring and the first defenseman to lead the league in assists since Bobby Orr and he didn't even win how would a Letang with 11 more games played win it?

 

[TheTang58]

I hope the Pens never trade Letang away.

Me neither

 

[Machinehead]

Letang definitely has to be up there, but is currently 9 points behind the leader in d-man scoring. Carlson is 2 points back of the scoring lead, with 2 games less played. If he finished first in d-man scoring for the second straight year, he probably wins it (regardless of the fact that he's not actually the top d-man in the league, just the way the voting works with the norris).

This is a good point. If Carlson leads the league two years in a row, it'll be his "turn"

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

Nope last years playoffs exclude him from any future Norris considerations

Eh, if Brent Burns can win a best defenseman award, anyone can by that criteria.

 

[Alex1234]

Caps-Pens in the playoffs? Make it happen Gary!

He will

 

[PensandCaps]

Should be the leader imo.

Carrying that awful Dcore byhimself. Playing absurd tough mins.

May be his best year, Been the Pens MVP.

If He goes down, then the season is more done than if Sid or Malkin go down.

 

[blankall]

There are a lot of d-men playing great right now. It'd be very hard for a d-man on an underperforming team to win the Norris. Letang would have to play so well that he overshadowed the d-men from winning teams.

With all the up and coming teams in the league this year, I just don't see Letang taking the Norris.