Hawks' Keith honored to be among Norris finalists

To nobody's surprise, Duncan Keith was named one of the three finalists Friday for the Norris Trophy, which goes annually to the NHL's top defenseman.

Nominated with Keith were Washington's Mike Green and Los Angeles' Drew Doughty.

"Just to be nominated is a huge honor," said Keith, who gave credit to his teammates, in particular defense partner Brent Seabrook.

"It's about teammates and the team and how the team is doing," Keith said. "You get a lot of these nominations or awards when the team is good."

The 26-year-old Keith had a monster regular season with career highs in goals (15) and points (69) in 82 games to go with being plus-21.

Keith finished second to Green in scoring among defenseman but led all blue liners in goals (10), assists (38) and points (48) at even strength.

"He's had a special year," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "He's one of those players you have to admire how he competes. His quickness, agility, anticipation and thought process defensively evolved and continued to get better and improved in his career."

Keith had a hand in everything the Hawks did well en route to a 112-point regular season and Central Division championship.

"Offensively, he rose his game to another level," Quenneville said. "He had the puck a lot, helped our power play, helped our special teams, influenced us in our puck-possession game.

"Look at his numbers and the way he played, and I think he's very deserving."

A win in the vote by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association would make Keith the Hawks' fourth Norris Trophy winner.

Pierre Pilote won the Norris three times, Chris Chelios twice and Doug Wilson once.

"If you look at the other people who have been nominated and other people who have won it, it's a pretty special category and that I'm very proud to be part of," Keith said.