The Defensemen are Alright for the Anaheim Ducks

Sep 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing

(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.