Washington Capitals defender Dmitry Orlov turns 27 Monday. But, you are the one opening presents watching him patrol the blue line.
The Washington Capitals are lucky to have Dmitry Orlov patrolling the blue line.
As he celebrates his 27th birthday Monday, you must figure holding the Stanley Cup is the best present ever. So, it came a month early. You can never plan those life-changing moments.
For you, as fans, Orlov is committed to five more seasons with Washington at a tidy $5.1 million hit on the salary cap per year. To show for it, he has not missed a regular season game in over three years. From a defender that is a great number.
As a player, Orlov continues to grow. Last season, he hit the double-digit goal mark for the first time with ten. All in even-strength situations. His ice time hit a career-high at 23:08 a night. The first time he topped 20 minutes a game.
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Shall we talk about playoffs? Okay.
Orlov netted two and helped on six for his eight points. Again, both his blasts were even-strength. A tough task for a defenseman.
When the Caps needed their blue-liners to log ice time, Orlov skated 24:12 a game. In earning his first Cup, he played 581 minutes. By now, his legs should feel solid.
Whether he needs to deliver a check, or block a shot, Orlov gets better with experience. Last year, he crunched 128 hits and stopped 116 pucks from the target. Come the spring, 40 more checks and 43 frozen rubbery objects.
The hot tub must be his friend.
Orlov drew attention from Norris Trophy voters two years ago. With a plus-minus of 30, he finished 11th in the voting. Last year, it dipped to plus-10 and did not draw a vote.
There is no reason, as he continues to hone skills and log productive ice time, that Orlov can turn into a serious threat to win a Norris. Whether paired with John Carlson or Matt Niskanen, his defensive abilities intimidate opposing offenses.
Yet, Orlov does not take penalties. Last year, he sat in the sin bin 22 minutes. That is barely a minor every eight games. In the postseason, only two minors over 24 games. He is not making the Caps shorthanded. Patience is the better part of valor.
Next: Chiasson still an option
If the Washington Capitals defend their Stanley Cup championship, Dmitry Orlov’s defending will play a huge factor. After six seasons in DC, his game continues to improve. For you, you cannot get a better birthday present. Well, outside a Mercedes.