Jun 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save in front of defenseman Duncan Keith (2) and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) during the second period in game one of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Defense is Hockey’s Life-Blood
It may not be unique to this season, but the performance of teams in the Western Conference this year is a quintessential example.
Dec 29, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Defensemen are the life-blood of hockey. Defensemen hold the puck in the opponent’s zone, and move the puck up out of their team’s zone.
The Kings have struggle this season. Mostly due to injuries and absences on the blue line. The Kings haven’t been able to suit up a consistent squad of six defensemen they’re confident in. It makes it difficult for Kings players to gel and create chemistry, to get used to how one another plays, and to become comfortable with one another.
Teams that are having success in the West have solid defensive-core lineups: Nashville, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and the Anaheim Ducks.
Struggling teams have the weakest defensive personnel. Teams missing big, strong, skilled, consistent defensemen are: the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, and the Edmonton Oilers.
Even in this era of the NHL: with new rules geared to help the skilled players showcase their talents and keep the game wide open, a league loaded with superstars, and an NHL front office that is so scoring nuts they’re willing to re-write the rules and change the game; defense is King.
Great defense makes the ‘Wow!’ moments worth watching. Viewers get used to watching no one get past these defensive greats. Just when we start to think to ourselves, “You’d have to do some pretty amazing stuff to get past these guys.” Someone on the ice pulls an amazing move.
Great defense pushes offense; in every way. A good defense makes everyone have to play better. It makes the game better. Need more evidence? Watch the playoffs.