We have one of the best defensive groups in the league, the stats back it up, and it's because Oleksiak and Nemeth are no longer here.
Most of us would simply credit Hitch and Wilson. And maybe JO. I mean the coaches and GM had to see what the average fan saw with our "eye test." Even if we are a bit shortsighted, our hindsight is always 20-20.....
I have always felt Hitch's apparent bromance with Jamie O in training camp was a matter of the Stars trying to build him up for trade value. Nice job, got his value all the way up to a low 4th round pick. I can see it though. Pens would say we got a much better Mehtot for a 4th, how much more could JO be worth. LOL.
Going from last to third in the D stats is more than any of us could have hoped for with Hitch. Yes, we are mid pack in scoring after this last little drought, but Benn and somewhat Radulov have been cold, and other than Janmark, our second level scorers are all in a slump.