Quote:
Originally Posted by struckbyaparkedcar
Why?
I don't remember Chara doing anything that really stood out in a "give this man the Norris" sort of way since 2009. I mean, he was a top all-situations player on a top defensive/goal-differential team in the regular season, but I'd have to include the playoffs and credit Chara for facilitating A) Thomas' numbers, B) Bergeron's development into a top defensive forward since concussions, and C) guys like Marchand and Siedenberg raising their games in the postseason in order for him to be in the top spot.
I really don't think Z's 2011 was that different from his 08, 10, or 12 (everything else being a step below his 2009). Boston's team success that year had a lot more to do with staying healthy, getting step-up performances from various places (Horton, Bergeron-Marchand and Siedenberg being the biggest names) and getting various bounces they just didn't get in seasons prior, rather than Chara taking his game up a notch.
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It's partly weak competition. Nobody in 2011 was as good as Karlson or Weber in 2012 or Keith, Lidstrom, and Green in 2010. I actually think Lidstrom declined quite a bit between 2010 and 2011, but the competition just wasn't there.