  Sens defenceman Erik Karlsson has become a rising star in the NHL. (Darren Brown/QMI Agency) |
NEW YORK - It will be Viva Las Vegas for Erik Karlsson.
As the Senators prepare to play Game 7 of their first round series against the New York Rangers Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, the defenceman was named one of three finalists for the Norris Trophy as the top blueliner.
Karlsson, 21, who had 19 goals and 78 points to lead all defencemen in scoring this season, is up against some stiff competition. Boston captain Zdeno Chara and Nashville's Shea Weber are both up for the award.
This is the first time Karlsson has been nominated in voting done by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Neither Karlsson nor Weber has won the award, while Chara has won it once in 2008-09. Weber was nominated for the award for the first time last year.
The trophy will be handed out during the NHL Awards in Las Vegas in June.
