Quote:
Originally Posted by Flame Of Liberty
I think that's a myth often used to excuse Blouw's shortcomings.
I remember reading interview with Jagr (who is a pretty good authority on the subject matter) where he was asked which defenseman is the hardest to play against and he picked Lidstrom and interestingly enough he mentioned that Lidstrom is probably the best defenseman to use total body strength to his advantage.
Not just to gather speed and crush people with your shoulderpads, but Lidstrom was extremely strong in leaning into players streaking down the wing or pushing them out of the paint without taking a penalty. Blouw can do none of that.
Non-physical Lidstrom is a myth.
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Jagr probably meant the hardest to best one on one. I don't remember Lidstrom doing any of those things. He most often stripped the defender of the puck with his stick, not his body.