While reading an impassioned case for the Ottawa Senators’ Erik Karlsson to be named the Norris Trophy winner for this season, an info graphic caught my eye. Here on Puck Daddy was a list of USA Today’s power rankings panel as to who the best defenseman is. Karlsson is number one, followed closely by such regulars as Shea Weber, Zdeno Chara, and Nicklas Lidstrom.
↵Further down the list, with just one vote, was Alex Pietrangelo. Not listed? Kevin Shattenkirk. Among NHL defensemen, Shattenkirk’s +/- is tied for first, at a +25. He also carries a healthy 8-23-31 points line. Pietrangelo is 17th at a +15 and a 10-26-36 points line.
↵These two guys aren’t exactly hidden secrets in the NHL any more. Whither the respect from pundits? Whither?