goal�tend�ing
ˈɡōlˌtendiNG
noun
1.
SOCCER/HOCKEY
the action of stopping the ball or puck from entering the goal.
Goaltending, forwards, etc. are all part of the defense. Defense, and offense for that matter, is a team effort.
None of that addresses my point, which you responded to with your definition.
So the Pens had no names left when Letang went down. Who cares? On paper the Caps should have a half dozen cups right now and should have won this year. How many teams with name players fail each year?
The Pens' defensive 'core', whatever that means given it is a team effort, outplayed most, and was as good as any in the playoffs this year. If I have an employee with a Harvard education who graduated at the top of his class, and another who went to community college but she gets the job done three times faster and more accurately that Harvard guy can take his degree and shove it up his rear for all I care. Show me what you do, do not show me your pedigree.
This Pens' team by all metrics that counted did the job as well as any name unit in hockey this post season over a couple dozen games , so no small sample size. That is name enough for me.