Defense Sets the Pace on Offense

If you looked at the top scoring defensemen in the NHL heading into Monday’s games, you would not find a King among them. But that doesn’t mean the Kings are not offensive at the blue line.

“Even though we don’t have that one big shot, we do have guys who will hit the net, which creates a lot of scoring chances from those shots,” said Mattias Norstrom about the Kings’ core of defensemen.

“A lot has to do with our opponents. Some teams would rather have their forwards down low to cover the high slot and when that happens, the point opens up for our shooters.”

Led by Mathieu Schneider, who has been on the injured list since Nov. 15, Philippe Boucher and Jaroslav Modry, the Kings’ defensemen went into Monday’s game against Calgary ranked third in the league with 52 points.

“Accuracy will always beat power but it’s even better to have both,” Norstrom said about shots from the blue line. “But only a few guys in the league have it like that and they are premier point shooters, [Al] MacInnis and Rob Blake.

“You have to play to your own strength and as a defensive group like ours, the key is to get the puck to the net because you will always see funny goals go in on rebounds.”

Coach Andy Murray has been pleased with Modry, who is on pace to shatter his best for assists, which he set last season with 15. In his first 25 games this season, Modry has 13 assists.

“Mo has always been a smart player and he’s getting the puck to the net and when you do that, good things are going to happen,” Murray said. “He’s a constructive offensive player. Most of his decisions are pretty good when he has the puck in his hands.”