Lidstrom Finally Wins Norris Trophy

After three years of finishing second, Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom finally won the Norris Trophy, given to the NHL’s top defenseman.

Lidstrom, who finished as a runner-up to Rob Blake, Al MacInnis and Chris Pronger in the last three seasons, was almost a unanimous choice for the award. His closest competition was Colorado’s Ray Bourque, who was the co-winner of the NHL Fans Association’s Best Role Model Award earlier this season.

“Oh, it’s tough to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” said Lidstrom, who flew back to North America after leaving to spend the summer in Sweden. “I’m really proud and honored to get this trophy. I have to give a lot of credit to the coaching staff and the players surrounding me.”

Lidstrom was also runner-up for the Lady Byng Trophy, while Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman finished second in voting for the Jack Adams Award.