Norris Finalist Faceoff: Josi v Hughes in Round 1

The first round series between the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks features two of the three finalists for the Norris Trophy this season, Roman Josi and Quinn Hughes, recently revealed.

These two were major contributors for their teams, each scoring 17+ goals and 85+ points. Both were extremely impressive during the regular season, and as expected, are playing a big part in Round 1.

Josi and Hughes played almost identical minutes this season, being separated by only three seconds of ice time per game. Josi is more of a shooter, but Hughes has been an elite playmaker since breaking into the NHL.

Related: Roman Josi Named Norris Trophy Finalist

These two Norris finalists are at very different places in their careers, Josi being 33 years old and Hughes being 24. Josi has been playing at an elite level for a long time, seemingly getting better with age. He has received Norris votes in nine of the last 10 seasons, only missing out last season. This is also the third time he's been a finalist, winning once before and finishing second the other time.

Hughes, having played just five seasons in the NHL, has received Norris votes in four seasons, but has never finished higher than ninth until 2023-24. While it is an honor to be a finalist for the Norris Trophy, what's more important for both players right now is winning. That means knocking off the other player's team in the first round.

Both players have logged a ton of minutes through five games. As expected, Hughes has the most points amongst defensemen on his team with five (all assists), but he also leads the series. Josi is tied amongst defensemen on his team in goals (one) and points (three) with Alexandre Carrier.

Game 5 was most heavily impacted by defensemen as Nikita Zadorov scored for the Canucks, followed the by the game-tying goal from Josi and game-winning goal by Carrier. Hughes assisted on the Zadorov goal and Tyson Barrie made his mark on the series after entering the lineup.

Both teams, led by Josi and Hughes defensively, have limited the other from taking a ton of shots in the series. Seeing as Josi has averaged 25:55 of ice time per game and Hughes has averaged 23:15, I'd say they have been a big part of the series and have shown why both are the Norris Trophy finalists this season. While the votes are limited to their impact during the regular season, Josi and Hughes have their sights set on getting out of the first round and then winning the Stanley Cup this season.

Recent Predators News

Podcast: Predators vs. Canucks Game 5 Reaction

Abysmal Predators Power Play in Playoffs Just Got the Spark it Needed

Predators Have a Chance to Come Back from 'Death's Doorstep' in Vancouver – Just Like They Did in 2011

Predators Start 2024 Playoffs in Historic Way, But Can't Take Advantage

Related: Canucks Make History Against Predators After Empty Net Miss