Norris Trophy Power Rankings: Burns, Giordano neck and neck
In the fifth edition of theScore's Norris Trophy Power Rankings, a fresh face makes his debut in the top five, and there's a new leader at No. 1. To view the previous rankings, click here.
ATOI = Average time on ice
SCF% = Percentage of scoring chances generated while player was on the ice at 5-on-5
HDCF% = Percentage of high-danger scoring chances generated while player was on the ice at 5-on-5
Courtesy: Natural Stat Trick
5. Roman Josi, Predators
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 14 | 37 | 51 | 25:09 | 52.16 | 50 |
Josi debuts on this list after a slow start to the campaign. His production is elite during five-on-five play, but the veteran's issues with the man advantage have capped his offensive ceiling this year.
As P.K. Subban struggles through an injury-plagued down season, Josi has excelled with more responsibility. He's averaging nearly a full minute more per game than any other Predator.
4. Kris Letang, Penguins
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 15 | 38 | 53 | 25:55 | 54.79 | 53.93 |
The Penguins are in unfamiliar territory as they fight for a playoff spot. The Pens were deep enough to win a Stanley Cup in 2017 while Letang was hurt, but it's difficult to imagine where they'd be without him this season.
He ranks among the league leaders in ice time and is averaging nearly five minutes more per night than any other Pittsburgh blue-liner. Despite the challenging workload, Letang continues to drive play at an exceptional rate.
3. Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 15 | 46 | 61 | 22:48 | 51.3 | 51.0 |
Even during the Maple Leafs' long power-play dry spell, Rielly is maintaining his top-tier offensive production, as his 44 points at even strength lead all NHL defensemen.
Toronto added Jake Muzzin, but Rielly is still lugging around the aging Ron Hainsey as his defense partner, and that alone should result in some sort of award.
2. Mark Giordano, Flames
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 13 | 46 | 59 | 24:42 | 55.73 | 52.88 |
Giordano drops one spot on this list after a less-than-spectacular February. The 35-year-old has arguably been the most responsible blue-liner in the league this year, all while producing at a high level offensively.
The Norris race should be a photo finish, and Giordano needs to end the season strong to come out on top.
1. Brent Burns, Sharks
| GP | G | A | P | ATOI | SCF% | HDCF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 13 | 57 | 70 | 24:53 | 53.26 | 54.88 |
Burns is contributing more than Giordano offensively, and that outweighs the latter's slight edge defensively.
Burns has stepped up lately, registering 15 points during the Sharks' 8-3-1 run since last month's rankings. Erik Karlsson was injured for all but five of those 12 games, providing further evidence of Burns' value.
Honorable mentions: Karlsson (Sharks), John Carlson,
Mattias Ekholm, Seth Jones.