SAN JOSE — Brent Burns on Friday was once again named a finalist for the Norris Trophy, the award given annually to the defenseman who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.
Burns bettered his own franchise records for goals and points by a defenseman for the second consecutive year, finishing the regular season with 29 goals and 76 points.
Burns led all NHL defensemen in both categories, and became the first defenseman to record back-to-back 75-point seasons since Brian Leetch did the same with the New York Rangers in 1995-96 and 1996-97.