Most times selection of 3 Stars in a hockey game is based on offense with strong goaltending also warranting a curtain call.  Rarely does defensive excellence by a skater get recognized.

   Saturday was one of those rare occasions.  Robyn Regehr was tabbed #1 Molson Canadian star.

   The big defense did get on the scoresheet with an assist on what would be the GWG, but it was the potential goals he saved that got him top billing in the Flames 3-1 triumph over Vancouver.

   Color commentator Mike Rogers felt Double R played a perfect game.  The shutdown blueliner wouldn’t agree to the perfect tag, but that’s why he’s so good at what he does. Always feeling their is room for improvement.

   There was improvement on this night.  While Regehr wasn’t the only reason for it, for the first time in 10 meanful games against the Canucks the Sedin Twins didn’t get a point.

   Regehr’s defense partner Adrian Aucoin played a big role in the feat. So did the forwards with their tireless fore checking and back checking.  Miikka Kiprusoff chipped making 3 saves against the twins, Daniel having all 3.

   Every once now and then, it’s suggested that the NHL should have an award for the best defensive defenseman.  Here’s another one. The Norris Trophy goes to the played judged to be the best defenseman, but that generally goes to an offensive type with decent-to-good defensive play.

   Regehr has 25 career goals in 8-plus seasons.  There have been a few Norris winners who had that many in one season.

   But the big defenseman isn’t about winning individual trophies.  He’s all about team and the trophy he really wants in the one donated many, many years ago by Lord Stanley.

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