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Shea Weber has never won the Norris Trophy, which to me is one of, if not the single most perplexing facts in the entire NHL. The Nashville Predators defenseman does everything as not only does he bring his 100 mph slapshot to the rink every night, but a mean streak that rivals any player in the league. With Nashville having a phenomenal season and looking like legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, look for that to change this season.
Weber ranks 11th in defensemen scoring, but the stats only tell part of the story for his Norris candidacy. The way the former Kelowna Rockets star is playing in all zones has elevated his team and brought the best out of two high profile teammates. Weber’s defense partner Roman Josi has experienced a breakout season and is bringing a smooth skating, steady-handed presence that is allowed by Weber’s tenacity and physicality.
The Predators’ blue line has allowed all-world goalie Pekka Rinne to further elevate his game. He is having one of the best seasons in hockey, and should see himself nominated for the Vezina. I’m not taking anything away from the year Rinne is having, but the play of Weber is a big reason why he has been frustrating shooters as well as he has.
I really thought Weber was a shoo-in for the Norris in both 2011 and 2012, but I can’t see another defenseman in the league capturing the Norris this season. Having said that, there’s another prize at hand for the Predators’ captain this season, and I’m sure winning the Stanley Cup would mean exponentially more to Weber than a trophy for regular season success.
