The Defensemen are Alright for the Anaheim Ducks
Jan 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) celebrate a goal in the third the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Ducks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There have been times through the season where it seemed as if the Anaheim Ducks defensemen were a notable weakness in an otherwise solid team. The blue line lacked a definitive shutdown tandem and the youth of Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm sometimes felt more risky then beneficial.
However, as the season comes to the All-Star break, Ben Lovejoy, Cam Fowler, Francois Beauchemin, Clayton Stoner and the aforementioned Vatanen and Lindholm have been among the Ducks best players.
Sep 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing
Tanner Pearson(70) attempts a shot defended by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Lindholm-Beauchemin
The pairing of Francois Beauchemin and Hampus Lindholm are perhaps the closest to being a shutdown tandem for the Ducks. Beauchemin brings the physicality and Hampus brings the puck moving ability. Both are defense first defensemen even though they both can contribute offensively.
Where these two really excel at is in their possession game, which is what makes them the Ducks closest thing to a shutdown pair. Both currently sit above the fifty percent mark for their Corsi and Fenwick stats. How do they do this? By winning battles along the boards, winning races to the puck, using their physicality to get in strong defensive position. They play a smart game and make life difficult for the opposing forwards in doing so.
The two are hardly without their faults. Lindholm is prone to costly gaffes and Beauchemin is not as strong in front of the net as one might expect. On a whole, their faults don’t undermine the many positive defensive plays these two bring to the team.
Apr 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars left wing
Jamie Benn(14) moves the puck defended by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ben Lovejoy (6) during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Lovejoy-Fowler
The primary thing Ben Lovejoy and Cam Fowler bring to the defense is mobility. Fowler has worked hard to improve his skating ability and it’s paying off on both the defensive and the offensive end of the ice. Fowler is then partnered with the steady hand of Ben Lovejoy who is more physical than Fowler. Lovejoy is a good skater in his own right, but isn’t afraid to lay down a heavy hit if the situation calls for it.
Fowler is starting to grow into the defenseman Anaheim thought he would be and that is in large part due to his pairing with Lovejoy. The consistency and the chemistry these two show has made them irreplaceable in the Ducks lineup.
The one area these two show fault is behind their own goal. Often times these two are not as physical as the forwards they face off against which can be especially costly below the goal-line. Costly turnovers at the wrong times have been fatal for the Ducks, but their ability to be mobile, defensive defensemen far outshines their flaws.
Dec 16, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) plays defense in his end against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Ducks 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Vatanen-Stoner
It took a while, but the combination of Sami Vatanen and Clayton Stoner is starting to look promising. Vatanen has always been a dynamo on defense, especially on the power play. The problem has been finding a defenseman that compliments his play style, and, more importantly, provides a defensive staple to Vatanen’s aggressive play. There were times when Bryan Allen fit that role well, but he ended up being too much of a pylon to be consistently effective.
Enter Clayton Stoner. In comparison to Allen, Stoner adds more skating ability and more of an edge while still being a stay-at-home defenseman. He’s only really shown his full potential as a player in the last few games, but, if the last few games are any indication, he’ll be a great compliment to Vatanen.
The third pairing is a big risk, big reward kind of tandem. Vatanen likes to lead the rush up ice and go for aggressive pinches in the offensive zone. Often times this leads to quality scoring chances, but it just as easily leads to odd-man rushes going the other way. As of late Vatanen has been better about picking the right moments to take those risks and it’s improved his defensive standing.
Jan 4, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) celebrates with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) and Anaheim Ducks center
Nate Thompson(44) after scoring the game tying goal to force overtime against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won in a shootout with a score of 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks are in the midst of a five game win streak and a big part of that is their defense. The team is using this time to fine tune their game in preparation for the playoffs. If the defense can keep up the strong play and find their consistency, they’re a solid unit that can take the team deep into the playoffs.