Pucks of a Feather Midseason Awards Ballot: Norris Trophy
By Jason Byun
Jan 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) shoots the puck during the first period against the Dallas Stars at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable Mention: Duncan Keith
Shocker, right? Yes, Duncan Keith has “dropped” all the way to sixth on my ballot (though that’s not really accurate, since last season’s statistics don’t really influence this season’s). Keith has matched his goal total from last season, with six. He has 27 points this season, tied for 19th in the NHL (though 30 points is good enough for 10th). Keith is also sixth in the NHL in time on ice per game, playing 25:51 per contest.
So why is Keith off my ballot? I’m not one to penalize a defenseman for scoring points, but Keith has a ZS% of 54.0%, meaning he takes some favorable starts. His QoC% is 29.1%. Want to know a defenseman who has a lower ZS% and higher QoC%? Niklas Hjalmarsson, his teammate. Keith isn’t deployed against the hardest opposition: that assignment is given to his teammate. Keith’s +/- is +13. Hjalmarsson, with tougher minutes, is +12. The lack of recognition? He has just 11 points on the season.
This isn’t Hjalmarsson’s case though, it’s Keith’s. Keith is an exceptional defenseman. He just doesn’t draw the toughest assignments: to me, that hurts his case for the league’s best defenseman. The best defensemen draws the toughest assignments. And if it makes you feel better, every defenseman on this ballot has more points than Keith’s 27.
That takes the shocker out. Now, to continue with the rest of the ballot, starting with the fifth spot.
Next: Number 5: Potential to be the Best