Drew Doughty had an eventful Monday to say the least. Aside from sharing his STRONG thoughts on Matthew Tkachuk, he also had some interesting things to say about some other defenceman around the NHL.
Doughty specifically talked about the Norris race and why he thinks Mark Giordano should be the front-runner, not a player like Brent Burns (as per Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic):
I asked Doughty specifically about Giordano’s rags-to-riches story – and how he had to work his way up from a brief KHL exile to become a leading defenseman in the NHL.
“I respect that for sure,” answered Doughty. “And he’s just a good guy, a good person, a good family man. I respect all those other guys we were talking about too – and I respect their games. I just don’t think they play enough defense. All you’ve got to do is watch one San Jose Sharks game and you’ll see Brent Burns get beat three times a game – literally – and everyone has him up for the Norris. I just don’t get it.
“All those guys are great players. But Giordano’s got like 75 points or something right? — and he plays good defense. From me basically, I know how he plays. He plays hard. He plays well defensively. I think he should be the front-runner for the Norris.”
When talking about Doughty's comments, some left out the fact that he DID praise Burns' game, but just doesn't think he's worthy of the Norris which is awarded to the best defenceman every year.
The great thing about any sport is the debates and if anything, Doughty's comments created conversation which is never a bad thing.
(H/T: The Athletic)
