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Paul MacLean believes Erik Karlsson “has done enough to win” the Norris

Ottawa Senators v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 07: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators attempts to control the puck on offense in the third period against Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 7, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

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We all know coaches play favorites with their own players when it comes to awards and Senators head coach Paul MacLean is no different.

MacLean is headed to Las Vegas this week for the NHL Awards and he tells Allen Panzeri of Senators Extra defenseman Erik Karlsson should be the Norris Trophy winner as the league’s best defenseman.

“Will he win? I don’t know. Should he win? I believe he has done enough to do it.”

Karlsson was, by far, the league’s highest-scoring defenseman this season with 78 points, 25 better than Dustin Byfuglien and Brian Campbell. Karlsson, however, is up against Zdeno Chara and Shea Weber for the Norris and that’s where things get sticky. Those two guys bring offense but also play a stronger defensive game, a bit of a key component when it comes to an award for best defenseman.

Still, Karlsson’s big offensive game was impressive just the same and worthy of commendation. Perhaps a firm handshake and a pat on the back will have to suffice.