Coach’s Corner: Seabrook is the best defenceman

Don Cherry and Ron MacLean talk about all the latest news from around the NHL including the play of Alex Killorn of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook.

Duncan Keith is considered to be the favourite for the Conn Smythe Trophy, but another Chicago Blackhawks defenceman has caught the eye of Don Cherry.

In an appearance on Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean Wednesday night, Cherry offered high praise for Brent Seabrook.

“I can’t say enough. He hits. He fights, blocks shots,” Cherry said on Hockey Night in Canada. “Why he isn’t considered in the Norris trophy — with all the sweethearts — is beyond me. (He’s) the best defenceman in the league.”

Seabrook, who is averaging 26:21 minutes per game of ice throughout the post-season, leads all Blackhawks defencemen with six goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has compiled a total of 10 points with a plus-6 rating after finishing the 2014-15 regular season with eight goals and 23 assists in 82 games.

Seabrook’s leadership has stood out to Cherry as well, pointing to a specific play earlier in the post-season in which the Canadian defenceman sat on the bench and helped calm down forward Bryan Bickell after a tough shift.

In the segment, Cherry also raved about the atmosphere outside of Amalie Arena before Game 1, saying it was a welcome change from the last time the Tampa Bay Lightning appeared in the Stanley Cup Final (2003-04).

“(In 2004), I went out to the parking lot and two or three (fans) would walk in,” Cherry said of the underwhelming crowd in Tampa Bay. “It was dead and now they’re waiting outside and going nuts out there.”

Cherry, who recently spoke about his appreciation for Lightning forward Alex Killorn, also pointed out the secret behind Killorn’s amazing first period tip-in goal.

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