Who gets the Toughest Matchups: Defensemen--Behind the Net

Hawerchuck used a shot-differential based "Quality of Competition" stat to find out which two defensemen each team uses against the toughest competition. Many teams on the list intuitively featured their top pair #1 and #2, but the Predators who handled the toughest opponents were...Klein and Hamhuis.

This result might indicate a number of things, most obviously, Klein/Hamhuis isn't as bad a defensive pairing as we often assume watching the games or looking at goalie splits. Also, maybe the turnovers have nothing to do with Klein and Hamhuis being uniquely bad together.

Since this stat also measures usage, not skill, it calls into question how Trotz is managing the D-Lines. One argument in his defense (no pun intended) might be that since Weber and Suter basically play the whole third period, their number is diluted a bit. Also, Klein and Hamhuis sometimes start the game with Ward, Smithson, etc. on a sort of checking line, while Suter and Weber are reserved to play along the best forwards in a more offensive capacity.

about 2 years ago Sam Page 2 comments 0 recs |

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That last sentence (who the defensemen play with) is measured in QualTeam, the quality of teammates one is on the ice with.

Trotz likes to take advantage of matchups as much as possible, so Suter & Weber get a decent amount of time against lesser opponents.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 8, 2010 9:31 AM EST reply actions

Hamhuis

If I were Hamhuis I would would seething with anger with the way this team utilizes me. Look at the past Hamhuis has had to change partners numerous times. He changes partners because he is adaptable and able to play effectively with many different people. Last year him and Zanon were arguable the best shut down d-pairing in the league. So, what does Poile do? He lets Zanon walk, forcing Hamhuis to play with yet another partner. Agreed, him and Klein are not playing great together. However, who is to blame. A chicken and egg argument. Anyone who saw the game last night would agree (I hope) Hamhuis was probably the best d-man on the ice for either team. He was outstanding. He plays much better when he is in the game, 20-25 minutes, playing in the attacking zone with some freedom. The fact that he got zero power play time is mind boggling. He has been a more effective offensive player at every level he has played. Now that he has been pegged as a shutdown guy he gets zero PP time. Explain to me how Boullion (sp?) and Sulzer get PP time over Hamhuis? Completely absurd. Can’t even argue that the powerplay is clicking. It sucks! Try something new… please!

End of rant :)

by smashville on Feb 10, 2010 2:45 PM EST reply actions