Bruins’ Chara tops Washington’s Green and Detroit’s Lidstrom as NHL’s best defenseman

Boston’s Chara picked as NHL’s top defenseman

LAS VEGAS — Boston’s Zdeno Chara has edged Washington’s Mike Green to win the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.

Chara beat Green and Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom, a six-time winner, for the award on Thursday night. Green led NHL with 31 goals.

Chara helped the Bruins’ post the lowest goals per game average in the regular season. He ranked 12th in the league in scoring among defensemen with 50 points.

Chara snapped Lidstrom’s three-year Norris winning streak. Lidstrom had won the award six of the previous seven seasons.