Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf might be the most polarizing figure in the NHL today. Despite being the No. 1 defenseman for the Leafs, his critics remain.
In January of 2012, 161 of his NHL peers voted him the most overrated player in the game. However, it should be noted that the reigning Hart Trophy winner as the league's most valuable player, Alexander Ovechkin, came in second.
In other words, take the results with a grain of salt as there could have been a number of motivators at work here.
Regardless, Phaneuf has always played a brash style brimming with confidence. He has been guilty of giving the puck away at inopportune times or trying to do too much by delivering a big hit. This commitment to play the physical game at a risky time was on full display in Game 4 versus the Boston Bruins in last spring's NHL playoffs.
The ability to take the body has been a key tool for Phaneuf since his junior days in Red Deer, though. He was sixth among defensemen in hits during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season and has been among the league leaders in that category throughout his ca ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by James Onusko
Is Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Dion Phaneuf Still an Elite NHL Defenseman?
October 15th, 2013 by James Onusko Leave a reply »
Advertisement