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The Shot Blocker
by Paul on 02/13/07 at 09:52 AM ET
Comments (4)
from Michael Farber at Sports Illustrated,
Once reserved for the penalty kill, the playoffs or critical moments of meaningful regular-season games, shot blocking has shifted from last resort to first option. It is now a communal responsibility, a nightly chore from which no one is excused. “It’s a fact of life,” Tampa Bay Lightning center Brad Richards says. “On our team, if you don’t block shots, you don’t play.” To the detriment of hockey—and the players who have been injured by truly taking one for the team—the shot block, not the two-line stretch pass, has become the most common, and effective, tool in the postlockout NHL.
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What does the author want, players to clear the shooting lanes? give me a break, whey even have players in front of the net if they aren’t out there to block shots and move the puck up ice to their end…
Posted by canesice on 02/13/07 at 10:50 AM ET
After reading Farber’s article, I was wondering if, indeed, we are seeing any more blocked shots than usual, or whether he’s just gathering together anecdotes? Well, I ran the numbers, and it does look like they are on the rise…
Posted by The Forechecker from Tennessee on 02/13/07 at 11:54 AM ET
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to the detriment of hockey?! - didnt see that one coming.
Once again SI bashes the sport.
Shot blocking is a thrill to watch and a real skill of the game, to do it properly.
As an aside, just an open question to put out there (maybe for Paul): I’ev just made a (quick, free, amateur!) website for my ball hockey league and need a free message board service to stick on there. I was curious if anybody had any suggestions as to the best/most effective free ones. Merci
Andy Morgan
http://countyhockey.way.to
(though its really hosted on geocities)
Posted by underthechestnuttree from LaSalle, Ontario, Canada on 02/13/07 at 10:36 AM ET