The art of the stay-at-home defensive specialist

Perhaps Brian Costello, senior editor at The Hockey News, said it best. “Defensive defenseman are the unsung heroes of hockey. They do the dirty work, often without a lot of recognition.”

If a thorough look at the NHL tells us anything, it’s that he’s probably right.

In a game of puzzle pieces, d-men with an ability to overwhelm opponents and take over hockey games without registering a single point can quite often be the most instrumental, albeit intangible, factor that contributes to team success.

“I love the fact that defensive defensemen are taught to stare at an opponent’s logo rather than the puck during a 1-on-1,” Costello adds. “The puck may get past them, but the forward won’t.”

Over the course of the NHL’s rich history, this defensive phenomenon has been proven time and again. It is, after all, the half of the game that generations have claimed “wins championships.” What’s too often ignored, though, is the fact that certain, particularly defensively-adept individuals can at times singlehandedly will their teams to defensive success.

It’s these rare individuals that too easily get cast aside, cited as supplementary contributors to teams powered primarily by 80-point forwards and power-play quarterbacks.

With the help of Costello and The Hockey News intern Tim Kolupanowich, we’ve sought to acknowledge some of the game’s elite stay-at-home defensemen and, in particular, a cross-generational trio that has embodied what it means and what it meant to dominate the defensive side of the game.

If you haven’t appreciated what it is these uniquely-skilled defenders bring to the table, here’s an opportunity to catch up on what you’ve missed.

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Rod Langway

A second-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 1977, Taiwan-born Rod Langway had a 994-game NHL career serving as a defensive rock for the Canadiens and Washington Capitals.

“Langway is the dean of defensive defensemen who made a Hall of Fame career out of shutting down the opposition,” Costello said.

Although he did record several successful offensive seasons with Montreal early in his career, Langway was far more recognized for his defensive abilities.

With the Habs, the “Secretary of Defense” tutored under the guidance of Larry Robinson, Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe. It wasn’t until he joined the Capitals in the early 1980s when he became the mentor.

“The Capitals were a franchise in shambles before they acquired Langway [in the 1982 offseason],” Kolupanowich said. “That’s when he really proved there was value beyond goals.”

Washington had struggled as a franchise prior to the acquisition. Once he joined the team, though, they not only cut back on their goals against average but also began making regular appearances in the postseason.

“Many players have shown it’s easy to turn a franchise around with goals, but it takes an exceptional player to do so while focusing so much on defense,” Kolupanowich furthered.

Langway has the sixth- and seventh-lowest point totals for a Norris Trophy winner, and all the players with fewer points played in eras where defenders rarely scored.

Scott Stevens

Another former Capital, Scott Stevens, is arguably one of the most feared and unstoppable defensemen to ever compete in the league.

Of note is that with Washington early in his career (and prior to the tenure with the New Jersey Devils that solidified his legacy), Stevens showed a much more offensive approach to the game than most modern fans remember him for. From 1982-1990 he managed seven seasons of 40 or more points, including a career-high 78in 1993-94.

“It’s a forgotten fact that Stevens was offense-minded early in his career,” Costello explained. “I think he led his team in scoring one year, but people now recall him as the hard-hitting shutdown ace that forwards feared in open ice and the corners.”

Kolupanowich shares a similar view on the bone-crusher, and specifically the defensive guru he became over the course of his career.

“When he decided to turn all of his attention to his defensive responsibilities, he truly cemented his reputation as a leader and warrior,” he said. “He left a trail of battered bodies in his wake on the way to a Hall of Fame career; his hits could turn the tide of games, entire playoff series, even careers.”

Stevens won the Conn Smythe Trophy with New Jersey in 2000 when he finished the playoffs with 11 points – the third fewest point total ever for a Conn Smythe winner (not including goalies, of course) behind Dave Keon (eight) and Serge Savard (10).

“Since he retired there has been an element missing from the Devils, one that paved the way to three Stanley Cups,” Kolupanowich concluded. “It was the fear in a forward who knew Stevens was out there, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.”

Luke Schenn

A lot of the newer defensive studs in the league (i.e. Drew Doughty, Alex Pietrangelo, P.K. Subban, Cam Fowler) pride themselves on playing a strong two-way game, but Luke Schenn is one of the few strictly valued for his stay-at-home qualities.

“Schenn went fifth overall in the draft because of his tough, shutdown abilities, not because of any numbers he might put up,” Costello stated.

When most effective, Schenn – who led NHL defensemen in hits last season placing in the top 10 among all skaters – uses physical force and positional responsibility similar to Stevens.

“Being physical is so important because it imports an element of fear in the opposition,” Costello explained. “Take a non-physical defensive defenseman like Jay Bouwmeester, for example. The opposition doesn’t mind playing against him because they know he’s not going to make them part of the board advertising. That’s why Bouwmeester now is just a one-dimensional defensive minute-muncher.”

In addition to his keen defensive prowess, Schenn’s leadership qualities have been overtly displayed, often sticking up for teammates and communicating with officials.

At 21, Schenn is still developing, but shows obvious signs of improvement with each passing season. There’s no doubt he’ll provide the Leafs with defensive stability alongside captain Dion Phaneuf for many years to come.

“With a young goalie in James Reimer, it is important to keep shots against and traffic to a minimum,” Kolupanowich said. “A solid defensive defenseman is the best way to ensure that, so there’s no doubt Schenn will keep improving and will be a pillar in the Leafs lineup for a long time.”

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