Joe Thornton and Brent Burns didn’t come away with individual NHL awards on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. But both Sharks players can say the honors went to deserving winners.
Thornton was a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which was won by New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner. Burns was a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, which was won by Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames in overwhelming fashion.
The Masterton Trophy is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, and the Norris Trophy is awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman.