Grading the defense

This year was a good year for the BC defensive core, in my opinion the Eagles were at the top of Hockey East in terms of D play. We will grade each player starting today on how their season fared.

Tommy Cross- Got an injury early in the season that kept him out a long time but I thought that Cross was the best D man on the team. He had the OT goal to beat BU and got a huge goal vs NU in the Hockey East semis. Tommy did struggle in the NCAA quarterfinals vs CC but that should not diminish what Tommy was able to accomplish this year.

Pat Wey-Most likely the best D man when it comes to getting the puck out of the zone and breaking it out. I thought this was a good year for Wey but he could be a great defenseman in this league next year. One game that sticks out in my head for Wey is the 1/22/11 game @ BU. Wey had a great game in his own zone, and was able to get the transition going.

Brian Dumoulin- Yes Dumoulin was an All American for the Eagles, but next year I am expecting him to be the best defenseman in Hockey East. He needs to be more of an offensive threat. To many times this year, he was getting caught up and it led to odd man rushes for the other team.

Philip Samuelsson- This was an average year for Samuelsson, who gave up many goals for this team. I do think that Philip did have some good games at the end of the year, mostly in the Hockey East playoffs. I hope that Samuelsson will be back next year because I think, with hard work, he could be the Eagles second or third defenseman.

Edwin Shea- Honestly, I think Edwin Shea had a god year. He did not play many games, but he seems to try very hard, and did not make as many mistakes as he has made in the past. He is starting to look for a good pass instead of just shooting the puck into the zone. One thing that he must work on is his shot, he needs to have a harder slap shot.

Patch Alber- Of all the d man, Patch has the most speed. Patch will need to have a better year next year for the Eagles to be successful and will need to be more physical in his own zone.

Issac Macleod-Issac should be a regular for the Eagles next year, and we are all hoping that he can find a way to help out this D core and have a great year.

 Grading the Defense: Protecting the Fortress

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, defense is often the unsung hero. While goal-scoring forwards and flashy plays get much of the attention, a team's defensive corps is the bedrock upon which success is built. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the art of defending in the NHL. We'll explore the roles and responsibilities of defensemen, delve into the strategies employed by top teams, and grade the defense of a few standout franchises to see how they stack up.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Unsung Heroes

Set the stage for the article, emphasizing the importance of defense in hockey.

The Role of Defensemen: More Than Just Blocking Shots

Explore the multifaceted responsibilities of defensemen, from protecting the net to contributing offensively.

The NHL's Defensive Elite: Teams That Excel on the Blue Line

Highlight the NHL teams known for their exceptional defense and examine what sets them apart.

Shutting Down the Opposition: Defensive Strategies and Tactics

Analyze the defensive strategies used by top teams, including shot blocking, backchecking, and penalty killing.

Grading the Defense: A Closer Look at Top Teams

Evaluate the defensive performances of select NHL teams, considering statistics, goals against, and overall effectiveness.

Notable Defensemen: Players Who Shine in Their Own Zone

Showcase standout defensemen who excel at their craft and make a significant impact on their teams.

Challenges and Adversities: Injuries, Slumps, and Rebuilding

Discuss the challenges that defensemen and teams face, including injuries, defensive slumps, and the process of rebuilding a strong defensive unit.

Fan Perspective: The Defense's Unsung Heroes

Share insights from fans and experts about the underappreciated role of defensemen in the NHL.

Rising Stars: Young Defensemen on the Horizon

Identify young and emerging defensemen who have the potential to become future stars in the NHL.

: The Backbone of Champions

Sum up the article by reiterating the vital role of defense in the NHL and its contribution to team success.

In "Grading the Defense: Protecting the Fortress," we'll gain a newfound appreciation for the often-overlooked art of defending in professional hockey. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer of the sport, this article will shed light on the critical role that defensemen play in the NHL and how they contribute to the success of their teams.