I don't know much about Rod Langway, but how the hell did he win the Norris in 82-83 and 83-84 with Coffey 70 and 100pts ahead? Was Langway just a defensive beast or did they figure it wasn't fair how Coffey was almost a 4th forward? I think Coffey got screwed.
He was in fact a defensive beast.
I'd also throw in a couple of other factors:
#1
There was always kind of a reoccurring theme that the Norris had gotten very far removed from what it's initial intent was; it was simply being awarded to the best offensive d-man year after year (kind of what's happened with the Selke over the years...it used to be the best defensive forward; now, the best defensive forward has to put up good numbers too)...
#2
The Cap's were a horrendous organization from day 1.
Langway helped to turn the franchise around. From league doormats, to 94 points in his first season, to 101 in his second.
#3
The competition.
Dennis Potvin, the best d-man at the time, had seen his numbers drop. It was harder to justify voting for someone in that position (and maybe it shouldn't have been).
After Potvin, the best 2 way d-man that season may have been Dave Babych, in the 'Peg. Was that a Norris caliber season (esp when you consider he played in Winnipeg when media coverage was a lot more limited than today).
The best offensive d-man was Coffey. He was seen as a one trick pony, and largely responsible for the 'backlash' against simply voting for the highest scoring d-man.
Would we see a guy who was strictly a defensive 'beast' win the Norris today with a 20 point season?
I can't see that ever happening in today's game.
I think even a guy like that would have to have a better offensive season than Langway did that yr.