Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan
I've always thought that the handedness for a defenseman means very little in their own zone, but I guess it does matter a little when playing the point in the offensive zone or moving the puck up the ice. I still would like a lot more natural right wingers who can actually score to even out the lineup a little.
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It actually means the most in the defensive zone because any guy who shoots left and plays RD will either have to clear the puck on his backhand along the boards (which is harder than chopping it out forehand) or dig the puck out and then skate with it. The latter is why guys like Bouwmeester and Brodie are good at playing their off side, they can grab the puck along the boards, spin away and skate it up or make a pass.
The fact you can have two opposing shots on the power play is a nice bonus but hockey often starts in your own zone and the ability to get the puck out or onto offense is key in this league.