By all accounts, the race for the Norris Trophy this season was a tight one. While it didn’t inspire the same level of debate as the Hart, the fact is that voters had tough choices to make.
Drew Doughty took home a Norris Trophy in recognition of his 2015-16 season, making him the first Kings defenseman to win a Norris since Rob Blake in the 1997-98 season.
It looks like he’s going to have to wait to claim his second, however, as Victor Hedman from the Tampa Bay Lightning won his first Norris.
Always enjoy hearing finalists talk about other finalists. Have several to share, but one snippet of Victor Hedman talking about fellow Norris finalist Drew Doughty: “He’s been a big inspiration for me, so it’s an honor being nominated alongside him.”
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) June 20, 2018
While Doughty came in second in voting, the race wasn’t particularly close, with Hedman receiving 94 first place votes. Doughty received 52 first place votes.
Voting for the James Norris Memorial Trophy by members of the PHWA: pic.twitter.com/ZlXsDF2Bjk
— PHWA (@ThePHWA) June 21, 2018
Doughty finished the regular season with 10 goals and 50 assists over 82 games, giving him a career-high 80 points.
Who wins the Norris Trophy? #NHLAwards
— Jewels from the Crown 💎👑 (@JFTC_Kings) June 20, 2018