Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman and captain Nicklas Lidstrom not only was the consulate professional, but also was regarded as the greatest blue liner in NHL history after Bobby Orr.
Only Orr himself won the Norris Trophy more than Lidstrom (8 times).
But in the mind of former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, he should have won the title of best defenseman for 2010-11.
According to the total votes, Lidstrom finished with 736 points, more than Shea Weber (727) of the Nashville Predators and Zdeno Chara (688) of the Boston Bruins.
Lidstrom finished that year with 66 points (16G, 50A) and a -2 rating. Meanwhile, Visnovsky may have a valid argument considering he finished with 68 points (18G, 50A) and a much better +18 rating.
The legendary Swede, who also claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2002 as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, retired in 2012 and had his No. 5 sweater raised to the rafters of Joe Louis Arena in 2014.
Lidstrom was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame the same year.
But considering the numbers in that particular year, Visnovsky may have an argument.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 25 | 145 ANSWERS Former NHL defenseman speaks out against Detroit Red Wings icon Nicklas Lidstrom Considering his higher point total and better plus-minus rating for 2010-11, does Lubomir Visnovsky have a valid argument? | ||
Yes | 42 | 29 % |
No | 103 | 71 % |
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