Bruins Chara Named Norris Finalist
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has been named one of the three finalists for the 2010-11 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defenseman.
Despite going up against opponent's top line, Chara led the NHL with a plus/minus rating of plus-33, tying a career-high. He also led the Bruins, the NHL's third-best defensive team, in average time on ice with a mark of 25:26. Chara had 153 hits, 111 blocked shots and 32 takeaways, along with 14 goals and 30 assists.
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This is Chara's fourth time being named a Norris Trophy finalist. He won the award in 2008-09 as a Bruin, and was a finalist in 2003-04 with Ottawa and 2007-08 with Boston.
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The Norris Trophy has been awarded annually since 1953 "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position."
The other finalists for the award are Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom and Nashville's Shea Weber.