There is something to be said for consistency.
The National Hockey League has released the finalists for the 2007-2008 Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's best defencemen. Leading the way is five-time winner Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings.
Lidstrom is currently tied with Ray Bourque, and one behind Doug Harvey and two behind Bobby Orr for most Norris Trophies all-time. This is Lidstrom's ninth nomination in the last 10 years.
"It meant a lot tying Ray Bourque last year, who was a player I looked up to and admired when he was playing before I even came into the league," Lidstrom told the Canadian press. "It was a great honour to get to No. 5. And getting to No. 6 would be even bigger. Especially with Bobby Orr having eight."
Lidstrom was the key figure in the league's best defence - the Red Wings gave up just 2.16 goals-per-game. The 15-year veteran led all defencemen in scoring with 10 goals and 60 assists and was second in the league in plus/minus with a +40.
Lidstrom will be challenged by Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins and Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames.
Chara had 17 goals and 34 assists this year while averaging the third most ice time (26:50) in the league. Chara finished second to Scott Niedermayer for the Norris back in 2004.
This is the first Norris trophy nomination for the 23-year old Phaneuf. The third-year player led the Flames in ice time (26:25), hits (194) and led all Calgary defencemen in scoring with 60 points.
"Dion has been getting better and better every year," said Lidstrom. "And I think this year he's really stepped it up another notch. I think he's a great offensive defenceman. . He sees the ice real well and he's able to jump up in the play and create a lot of offence.
"But he's real solid defensively, too. I'm anticipating him having a great career in this league and be nominated and maybe win Norris's for years to come, too."
The NHL will award the Norris June 12th in Toronto.