Getty Images A Washington Capitals defenseman probably won’t win the Norris Trophy this season. In fact, there probably won’t even be one in the conversation.
But what the Caps lack (an elite blue-liner, to be specific), they’re at least trying to make up for in balance and fresh legs.
Consider: after Washington’ first eight games, the most ice time a Caps d-man has averaged is 23:14, by newcomer Matt Niskanen. Currently, there are 13 NHL d-men who are above 25:00. Minnesota’s Ryan Suter leads the way at 28:23. Niskanen ranks No. 30 on the list.
“We use our three sets (of d-men) so you don’t find guys playing 28 or 29 minutes,” coach Barry Trotz said, per NHL.com. “What I do see is Mike Green playing 28 minutes like he did last year, or 27, and now 20 minutes this year, he’s got a lot more juice to do what he does best and that is deliver the puck and be a part of the offense.”
Green’s reduced workload seems to be working, to the tune of three goals and five assists. Among NHL d-men, only San Jose’s Brent Burns has more points (12) than Green’s eight.
What’s more, the offseason additions of veterans Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, after the Caps made it no secret that “upgrading the defense was our top priority,” have allowed John Carlson to play slightly less. The 24-year-old finished last season averaging a team-high 24:30; he’s at 23:09 now.
Washington (4-2-2) hosts Detroit (4-2-2) tonight (on NBCSN).
PS — The Caps used quite a few d-men last season…
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- lowenni - Oct 29, 2014 at 4:17 PM
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It’s been a great system. Everyone was saying how Niskanen wasn’t worth the 5.5 mil we dished out to him–as of right now he’s been our best defenseman (although green has been averaging a PPG). He plays such a well-rounded game and I’ve seen him make maybe three mistakes total this whole season. Niskanen and Carlson being able to take on the top-2 lines like Green used to has allowed Green to flourish offensively (he’s no. 1 in the league for even strength points by a defenseman). Orpik and Alzner have been rock solid as well, and Schmidt has been a extremely pleasant surprise. The only one I’ve been a little disappointed with is Carlson but he’s still been at least okay. I’m liking this a lot.
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- jpelle82 - Oct 29, 2014 at 4:32 PM
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niskanen does everything well. he isnt outstanding in any aspect of his game but well rounded and smart enough to not have to worry about either. i always liked how he was decisive in the offensive zone…he doesnt dick around with the puck, he either makes the quick d to d or slings it safely at the net, you wont get a lot of bad pinches or turnovers from him at the point either. i didnt think he was worth 5.5 but he was also a 3rd pair guy before, it wouldnt make sense to pay him that much if thats the role he was in. the injuries to the penguins last season really opened up the opportunity for him to play top pair minutes and he took full advantage of it and showed he could do that well too.
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