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Wednesday, 22 June 2011 12:00

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

We'll be previewing the seven NHL awards which count throughout the day. (Sorry Lady Byng fans.) Here we'll preview the James Norris Memorial Trophy which goes to "the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." We will also be hosting a live chat for the awards show beginning at 7 p.m. Click here to join the fun.

Nicklas Lidstrom, D - Detroit Red Wings (16 goals, 46 assists, 62 points, -2)

Shea Weber, D - Nashville Predators (16 goals, 32 assists, 48 points, +7)

Who we'd vote for: Chara. In our opinion, he just offers the best all-around game of the three finalists. While his offensive numbers aren't as good as Lidstrom's or Weber's, Chara plays a stronger brand of defense in our book. He's by far the more physical of the three and his presence alone detracts physical play by opponents. And it's not a coincidence Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas set an NHL record for save percentage or that the Bruins had one of the league's best team goals against averages at 2.30. Nothing against Lidstrom who had an outstanding season, but he racked up a lot of his offensive totals with the advantage of Detroit's strong power play. He recorded 39 points with the man advatange while Chara only collected 15 power-play points.

Who will win: Lidstrom. His name still carries a lot of mystique. And voting was conducted before he announced he would comeback for another season instead of opting for retirement. A lot of voters probably cast their ballots thinking this could be the last time Lidstrom wins this award. That's not to suggest Lidstrom isn't a worthy candidate. He has been six times.

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