Yesterday, The Hockey News released their finalists for the Norris Trophy and Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber‘s name actually made the list. Today, another national hockey writer gave some recognition to the little hockey team in Middle Tennessee.
USA Today’s Kevin Allen released his “Unofficial NHL Awards” and, low and behold, Weber and Ryan Suter were named “Best Defensive Pairing.”
Allen also named the Predators blueline the second Best Defense Corps and gave Suter third in both the Best Defensive Defenseman and Best Season by a U.S.-Born NHLer categories.
Nashville fans are not used to seeing all of this respect directed toward their team but welcome it. Truth be told though, Allen has been one of the rare national media members to believe in the Predators. Case in point: Allen actually called Nashville “a legitimate (Stanley) Cup contender” back in October.
READ ALLEN’S “UNOFFICIAL NHL AWARDS” ARTICLE HERE.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Jenni Propst // special to section303.com (used with permission)