That is interesting, and it tells me NA "thinks the game" like a center, which, with apologies to the offended, is a more cerebral position than wing. Goaltending, D & center require a kind of DNA wingers need not bother with.
Center demands a clear command of what's happening on the ice, anticipation, intelligence. Defense necessitats the same, which is why it take a while for defensmen to mature. Goaltending, like pitching, is another matter entirely.
I've always favored players like Bergeron and Chara. They don't have flashy numbers, but they do everything right across three zones.
Not necessarily a Rask fan, but the same applies. All of those seemingly unspectacular saves with few rebounds are the result of supremely economical, positional excellence. At his best, Rask makes it look easy. Most great D do, too.
The same goes, in a weird way, for D#46. I've been down on him in the past for seeming disinterest, salary, injuries. I thought him something of a prima donna. Great credit this season in dealing with a revolving door on both sides while having a typically under the radar, productive year. I still dislike his contract, etc., but am glad to be wrong.
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