Of course it's a part of the game. All I'm saying is that there are different ways and styles to play the game, and players make a career out of playing to their strenghts. For guys like Hendricks or Tanev, their willingness to throw themselves in front of shots is a part of their game that keeps them in the lineup.
The guys who make a living of eating pucks usually face the shooter instead of turning sideways like Laine does. I've noticed him doing it before and it's something he needs to work on. Players are well protected on the front, but when they turn sideways, the shinguards and skates offer much less protection. I know that it's a fast game and Laine had bad luck, but he should do it right, or not do it at all. Look at guys like Jagr and Selanne – they played smart and rarely blocked shots. They were more useful in other areas of the game…
