Washington Capitals: Matt Niskanen glue for defense

The Washington Capitals rely on Matt Niskanen as their defensive stalwart. Here is a closer look on how he not only fills the role, but exceeds the challenge.

Although John Carlson grabs the blue-line headlines for the Washington Capitals, Matt Niskanen is the glue holding the defense together.

An old-school defender, a Tim Horton or Rod Langway, Niskanen’s value comes from what does not happen on the scoresheet rather than his ability to play both ways. He will not take dumb penalties and delivers a needed hit.

What Niskanen does best is prevent goals. Last season, his plus/minus was 24. The best number in his four years in Washington. Impressive since he skated in only 68 games.

More from Stars and Sticks

Okay, he is not a statue on offense. But, in Niskanen’s tenure with the Caps, he scored 21 goals in 310 games. An average passer, 110 assists are on his hockey card with Washington.

With the likes of Carlson, Washington does not need Niskanen to be a power-play quarterback. Tom Wilson and Devante Smith-Pelly’s ability to dish out punishment saves Niskanen wear-and-tear on his body. He can focus on impeding opposing forwards and disrupting attacks.

Now, with defensive guru Todd Reirden running the show, Niskanen has the chance to improve.

Already a stalwart on the ice, averaging over 20 minutes a game the last six seasons, you can add mentor to Niskanen’s resume. Dmitry Orlov and Michal Kempny can copy his check down abilities.

If the Caps go with Christian Djoos and Madison Bowey to fill out the blue line, Niskanen will fill the role of the veteran defender Washington lost when they traded Brooks Orpik. Niskanen turns 32 in December and has three seasons left on his contract.

In his case the skate fits.

As with everyone else in playoffs, Niskanen elevated his game. His 25:23 of ice time a night trailed only Carlson’s output by 13 seconds. Over 24 nights, Niskanen logged 609 minutes. Those eight even-strength assists were welcome too.

Because the Caps have good team firepower and a solid goalie with Braden Holtby, Niskanen does not have to fill an uncomfortable role. Sure, he will block his share of shots and check when needed, but his role is leading by example.

Next: Copley hopes to rise in net

On the long road back to the Stanley Cup for the Washington Capitals, Matt Niskanen’s stability as a rearguarder is essential. He is the ideal penalty-killer and generates enough rebounds from shots t complement the offense. Never a serious Norris Trophy candidate, he is a vital cog in the Caps defense.

Home/Editorials