Quote:
Originally Posted by 1qqaaz
I had forgotten about Nikolaev's defensive prowess. Perhaps he's a little closer than many think.
It does seem like many of the forward prospects throughout the organization are at least responsible defensively. Even guys like Coronato and Pelletier put forth strong efforts with forechecking and backchecking.
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Pelletier might be second on the list in terms of defensive ability. There was a lot of talk about how he gave up points in junior to be an asset in his own zone. This year, Pelletier was tied for 11th in the AHL in plus/minus at plus-22 (Philp was 7th!). He gives me faith that he can make a Darryl Sutter squad, despite his stature. Very tenacious on the forecheck, and backcheck, as you said. Plays the right way, and doesn't cheat the game.