The Defensemen are Alright for the Anaheim Ducks

Apr 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars left wing

(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.