Defence wins championships, so the old saw goes, and even if it overstates the importance of the position, rare is the contending team that doesn't at least have a solid top four on the blueline.
Following his ranking of team goaltending, Scott Cullen ranks team defence for all 30 NHL teams.
Trying to measure the contribution of each team's defence isn't an exact science, to be sure. I've included goals, assists and plus-minus for the entire unit this season, as well as shots per game allowed by the team but, just to add a little bit of advanced stats to the discussion, even-strength shot differential (from www.behindthenet.ca) is included for individuals.
Just as plus-minus wouldn't be expected to tell the whole story of a player's contribution, shot differential won't paint the complete picture either, but it adds more colours to the landscape. When assessing an individual's contribution, it would help to consider matters like quality of competition and teammates, as well as zone starts, but the shot differential is at least a reasonable starting point to compare to teammates to see who is holding a territorial advantage when they are on the ice.
What's fascinating about this exercise is that virtually every team could upgrade on the blueline. The Red Wings are ranked the highest, but even their six and seven spots on the depth chart have room for improvement.
Of course, as the list gets closer to the bottom, there are teams that have more gaping holes and could fit at least a couple of top-four calibre defencemen into their lineup.
1. DETROIT RED WINGS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Nicklas Lidstrom (+6.3), Ian White (+5.5), Niklas Kronwall (+4.6), Brad Stuart (+3.8), Jonathan Ericsson (+5.0), Jakub Kindl (+4.6), Mike Commodore (+2.4), Brendan Smith (+3.1).
Shots Against Per Game: 27.5
Goals: 33
Assists: 78
+/-: +88
Comment: Anchored by a seven-time Norris Trophy winner, the Red Wings' blueline has been terrific, thanks to (possibly unexpected) strong play from newcomer Ian White. Niklas Kronwall is one of the most punishing hitters in the game and Jonathan Ericsson has been steady; the group could be upgraded whenever they choose to call-up Brendan Smith for keeps too.
2. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Ryan Suter (-1.1), Shea Weber (+0.4), Kevin Klein (-6.6), Francis Bouillon (-4.1), Roman Josi (-7.2), Ryan Ellis (+2.5), Jack Hillen (-5.5), Jonathon Blum (-8.0), Teemu Laakso (-18.7), Mattias Ekholm (-2.7).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.4
Goals: 28
Assists: 89
+/-: +4
Comment: The strength is top-heavy with Shea Weber and Ryan Suter as good as it gets for a 1-2 punch. The rest of the group isn't spectacular, so there is room to upgrade with a veteran or two, but call-ups Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis have been decent additions.
3. BOSTON BRUINS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Zdeno Chara (+5.4), Dennis Seidenberg (+2.2), Johnny Boychuk (+5.7), Joe Corvo (+1.0), Andrew Ference (-4.4), Adam McQuaid (-6.2), Steve Kampfer (-4.1), Matt Bartkowski (+16.4).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.2
Goals: 23
Assists: 85
+/-: +101
Comment: Big Z continues to be a dominant physical presence, but there aren't dynamic options otherwise. Dennis Seidenberg has found a home in Boston and is very solid, as is Johnny Boychuk, but it wouldn't hurt to have an upgrade from someone in a puck-moving role.
4. VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Kevin Bieksa (+0.9), Alexander Edler (+0.8), Dan Hamhuis (+0.2), Sami Salo (-2.1), Keith Ballard (-3.2), Aaron Rome (-1.4), Andrew Alberts (-4.8), Alexander Sulzer (-7.4), Chris Tanev (+4.7).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.3
Goals: 26
Assists: 102
+/-: +42
Comment: The top four is solid, and capable of contributing at both ends of the rink, but while there is quantity depth, the quality is at least a little questionable.
5. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Alex Pietrangelo (+4.0), Kevin Shattenkirk (+4.6), Barret Jackman (+5.7), Carlo Colaiacovo (+3.1), Roman Polak (+3.7), Kris Russell (+6.3), Ian Cole (+1.4), Kent Huskins (+3.0), Cade Fairchild (0.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 26.0
Goals: 23
Assists: 76
+/-: +84
Comment: The Blues have locked down defensively, but also get some production from Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk. Having 2007 first-rounder Ian Cole as an extra, ready to fill-in at a moment's notice, is a nice option to have too.
6. NEW YORK RANGERS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Dan Girardi (-0.8), Ryan McDonagh (-0.6), Michael Del Zotto (-3.6), Marc Staal (+2.1), Anton Stralman (-2.7), Steve Eminger (-2.5), Stu Bickel (+4.3), Michael Sauer (-7.2), Tim Erixon (-19.3), Jeff Woywitka (+3.5), Brendan Bell (-15.7).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.4
Goals: 21
Assists: 72
+/-: +82
Comment: The group could be even better once Marc Staal gets back to form and if Michael Sauer returns from his concussion because Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh have handled a heavy workload this season and Michael Del Zotto is enjoying a bounceback year.
7. OTTAWA SENATORS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Erik Karlsson (+5.1), Filip Kuba (+2.1), Sergei Gonchar (-1.9), Jared Cowen (-1.9), Chris Phillips (-1.3), Matt Carkner (-5.1), Brian Lee (-4.0), Mark Borowiecki (-5.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 32.2
Goals: 21
Assists: 110
+/-: +1
Comment: Erik Karlsson's offensive contributions can't be ignored, so he's the one driving this unit's ranking, but bounceback seasons from veterans Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba as well as a solid, if not spectacular, rookie campaign from Jared Cowen has helped the cause.
8. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Duncan Keith (+1.9), Brent Seabrook (+4.9), Nick Leddy (+1.6), Niklas Hjalmarsson (+4.3), Steve Montador (+5.6), Sean O'Donnell (+0.8), John Scott (+6.2), Sami Lepisto (-1.9), Dylan Olsen (-5.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.5
Goals: 16
Assists: 93
+/-: +16
Comment: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are terrific, though not at their Cup-winning calibre of play. Nick Leddy has made a lot of progress in his second season, but it's been a quantum leap, so it could be difficult to maintain the rest of the way. Depth is an issue, particularly with Steve Montador currently injured, so the Blackhawks appear likely to seek an upgrade before the deadline.
9. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Dan Boyle (+5.8), Marc-Edouard Vlasic (+7.2), Brent Burns (+10.3), Douglas Murray (-0.7), Jason Demers (-0.6), Justin Braun (+5.9), Colin White (+5.8), Jim Vandermeer (+1.8).
Shots Against Per Game: 28.5
Goals: 17
Assists: 77
+/-: +44
Comment: While Brent Burns hasn't put up points quite the way he did at his best in Minnesota, he's still been very effective and gives the Sharks a strong top three. Douglas Murray can be exposed by quicker forwards, but he's a physical presence to round out the top four.
10. WINNIPEG JETS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Tobias Enstrom (+5.4), Dustin Byfuglien (+3.5), Zach Bogosian (+1.3), Ron Hainsey (+0.8), Johnny Oduya (-0.7), Mark Stuart (-2.5), Mark Flood (-1.1), Randy Jones (-4.1), Arturs Kulda (+1.3), Brett Festerling (+2.0), Derek Meech (+3.0), Paul Postma (+14.5).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.5
Goals: 23
Assists: 78
+/-: -20
Comment: When everyone's healthy, the Jets have a decent group, from puck-moving Tobias Enstrom and big bomber Dustin Byfuglien putting up points to Ron Hainsey's steady play and Zach Bogosian's evolving game, there's quite a bit to like. Veteran Johnny Oduya, who could become an unrestricted free agent, may be an attractive trade chip.
11. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Matt Carle (+2.8), Braydon Coburn (+2.1), Kimmo Timonen (+3.8), Andrej Meszaros (+2.8), Marc-Andre Bourdon (+0.7), Andreas Lilja (-2.2), Erik Gustafsson (+2.0), Matt Walker (-2.8), Chris Pronger (+6.8).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.0
Goals: 17
Assists: 95
+/-: +23
Comment: This unit is crushed by the loss of Chris Pronger, but the Flyers effectively had five "top-four" defencemen with Pronger in the lineup, so they aren't completely wrecked by increasing Andrej Meszaros' role. At the same time, upgrading the blueline has to be a consideration if the Flyers have expectations of doing more than just showing up in the playoffs.
12. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Dion Phaneuf (+1.5), Carl Gunnarsson (-2.3), John-Michael Liles (+0.8), Jake Gardiner (-3.0), Cody Franson (+1.4), Luke Schenn (-6.9), Mike Komisarek (-7.2), Keith Aulie (-3.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.7
Goals: 23
Assists: 102
+/-: +20
Comment: Trades have practically made this group, as Dion Phaneuf, John-Michael Liles, Jake Gardiner, Cody Franson and Keith Aulie all came via trades. Luke Schenn hasn't progressed as much as expected, so it's fortunate for the Leafs that Carl Gunnarsson has quietly been an effective in his 22 minutes per game.
13. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Kris Letang (+3.3), Paul Martin (+8.2), Brooks Orpik (+4.2), Zbynek Michalek (+9.2), Matt Niskanen (+5.8), Deryk Engelland (+2.7), Ben Lovejoy (+9.0), Simon Despres (+15.3), Robert Bortuzzo (+3.0), Carl Sneep (+11.1), Brian Strait (+38.4).
Shots Against Per Game: 26.5
Goals: 16
Assists: 82
+/-: +14
Comment: The Penguins have excellent depth, particularly when rookie Simon Despres is able to play but it wouldn't hurt to get a little more out of Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek, who handle big minutes, but have uneven results. In general, the Penguins have the league's best shot differential and Martin and Michalek are above average on the club in that respect, so there's not too much blame to cast in their direction.
14. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Dennis Wideman (-3.6), John Carlson (-1.3), Karl Alzner (-4.2), Roman Hamrlik (+0.6), Dmitry Orlov (-3.4), Jeff Schultz (-4.3), John Erskine (-6.2), Mike Green (+1.3), Kevin Marshall (-1.4), Tomas Kundratek (-12.5), Sean Collins (+14.1).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.1
Goals: 22
Assists: 82
+/-: +13
Comment: A group that misses Mike Green. For all of his offensive forays, Green brings more to the table than he takes away. Dennis Wideman, John Carlson and Karl Alzner take a lot of responsibility and could still be better, while results from the lower half of the depth chart haven't been ideal.
15. DALLAS STARS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Alex Goligoski (+1.8), Stephane Robidas (-2.0), Trevor Daley (-2.7), Sheldon Souray (-3.2), Nicklas Grossman (-2.0), Philp Larsen (-0.9), Mark Fistric (-1.6), Adam Pardy (-0.2), Jordie Benn (+2.4).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.6
Goals: 21
Assists: 64
+/-: +6
Comment: Improved play from Alex Goligoski recently has raised the stock of this group, which has a rather stable top five when all are healthy.
16. PHOENIX COYOTES
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Keith Yandle (+1.2), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (+1.0), Adrian Aucoin (-2.7), Rostislav Klesla (-2.7), Derek Morris (-4.6), Michal Rozsival (-1.1), David Rundblad (+5.6), Chris Summers (-3.1), David Schlemko (+2.3).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.5
Goals: 21
Assists: 82
+/-: +5
Comment: Keith Yandle is the legit star of the team, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson, David Rundblad and Chris Summers are on the way up and in contrast to Adrian Aucoin, Derek Morris and Michal Rozsival who are closer to the finish line.
17. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Brian Campbell (+1.9), Jason Garrison (+2.5), Mike Weaver (-7.2), Erik Gudbranson (-1.1), Keaton Ellerby (-3.7), Tyson Strachan (+6.1), Dmitry Kulikov (-5.1), Ed Jovanovski (-3.2).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.4
Goals: 24
Assists: 88
+/-: -33
Comment: Brian Campbell has re-established his offensive presence and Jason Garrison has shocked the world with his goal-scoring prowess. Long-term injuries to Dmitry Kulikov and Ed Jovanovski could tax this group, or at least provide added motivation for an acquisition.
18. COLORADO AVALANCHE
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Kyle Quincey (+5.2), Erik Johnson (+4.2), Jan Hejda (-2.8), Shane O'Brien (+2.3), Ryan O'Byrne (-2.5), Matt Hunwick (+3.5), Tyson Barrie (+11.4), Stefan Elliott (+7.4).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.2
Goals: 17
Assists: 84
+/-: -29
Comment: A serviceable group, that might be better with more consistent roles for rookies Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliott but, generally, there's been some good and some bad. They probably hoped for more from Erik Johnson and Jan Hejda, but have been pleasantly surprised by Kyle Quincey's bounceback campaign.
19. ANAHEIM DUCKS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Francois Beauchemin (-1.5), Cam Fowler (-0.5), Lubomir Visnovsky (-2.5), Toni Lydman (-4.9), Luca Sbisa (-6.7), Sheldon Brookbank (-7.5), Nate Guenin (-4.4), Mark Fraser (-4.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.2
Goals: 18
Assists: 76
+/-: -26
Comment: Depth is an issue, as is the decline in production from Lubomir Visnovsky, who led all defencemen in scoring last season but has 21 points in 40 games this year. Francois Beauchemin still eats up a lot of minutes while Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa are still developing.
20. LOS ANGELES KINGS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Drew Doughty (+5.0), Jack Johnson (-0.7), Willie Mitchell (+1.9), Rob Scuderi (-0.7), Slava Voynov (+3.9), Matt Greene (+3.6), Alec Martinez (+12.9), Davis Drewiske (+5.1).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.1
Goals: 28
Assists: 61
+/-: -12
Comment: Drew Doughty has been okay, but that's disappointing since he has the ability to be great. Jack Johnson's play has been up and down, while veterans Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi do what's expected of them -- steady and reliable in their own end. The Kings actually have solid depth, so it falls on Doughty and Johnson for this group to upgrade significantly.
21. CAROLINA HURRICANES
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Justin Faulk (-1.0), Jay Harrison (-1.8), Tim Gleason (-3.7), Jamie McBain (-4.2), Bryan Allen (-2.4), Jaroslav Spacek (0.0), Derek Joslin (-7.1), Joni Pitkanen (-3.1).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.9
Goals: 21
Assists: 72
+/-: -30
Comment: The 'Canes have been without Joni Pitkanen for months, which has allowed rookie Justin Faulk and young blueliner Jamie McBain to play significant minutes. Jay Harrison has been as shocking as any journeyman 29-year-old this year and Bryan Allen seems like a prime candidate to be moved at the deadline, particularly since the Hurricanes re-signed Tim Gleason.
22. BUFFALO SABRES
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Christian Ehrhoff (-1.7), Tyler Myers (-5.4), Jordan Leopold (-0.7), Andrej Sekera (+2.9), Robyn Regehr (-6.0), Marc-Andre Gragnani, Mike Weber (-0.7), Brayden McNabb (-4.4), T.J. Brennan (-5.8), Joe Finley (-18.5).
Shots Against Per Game: 31.5
Goals: 22
Assists: 60
+/-: -35
Comment: Given the Sabres' season, it's not surprising that their defence hasn't fared terribly well, but expectations were definitely higher, especially for Tyler Myers and Robyn Regehr. Christian Ehrhoff could be better too, but it's not stunning that it's taken time to adjust.
23. CALGARY FLAMES
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Jay Bouwmeester (-3.9), Mark Giordano (-3.7), Chris Butler (-3.2), Scott Hannan (-6.2), T.J. Brodie (+1.9), Derek Smith (-0.5), Cory Sarich (-0.1), Anton Babchuk (-9.8), Clay Wilson (-7.2), Joe Piskula (-2.2), Brett Carson (+13.5).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.6
Goals:16
Assists: 67
+/-: -32
Comment: The Flames lean so heavily on Jay Bouwmeester, though his production may not warrant so much playing time. Mark Giordano has been better in previous seasons, but the Flames have received some pleasant surprises, including 27-year-old Derek Smith, who earned a contract extension, and rookie T.J. Brodie.
24. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): P.K. Subban (+1.8), Josh Gorges (+1.0), Raphael Diaz (-2.3), Tomas Kaberle (-3.2), Alexei Emelin (-0.5), Hal Gill (-1.0), Yannick Weber (-1.6), Chris Campoli (-1.1), Frederic St-Denis (+8.9).
Shots Against Per Game: 28.3
Goals: 18
Assists: 85
+/-: -17
Comment: There's been no shortage of criticism for P.K. Subban, yet he and Josh Gorges have been the most effective Habs blueliners. The addition of Tomas Kaberle, predictably, hasn't yielded much, so as the Canadiens start looking ahead to next year, they may have useful trade chips in Hal Gill, who has performed well in the playoffs, and Chris Campoli who, like Gill, is headed for free agency.
25. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Eric Brewer (-1.2), Victor Hedman (+2.0), Pavel Kubina (-2.8), Marc-Andre Bergeron (+2.1), Brett Clark (-2.7), Matt Gilroy (-1.7), Bruno Gervais (2.7), Brendan Mikkelson (1.5), Evan Oberg (44.4).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.7
Goals: 18
Assists: 71
+/-: -17
Comment: Early in the season they were getting such outrageous offensive production from Marc-Andre Bergeron that the overall picture wasn't so bad. Since Bergeron's production has tailed off, though, the contributions of the Tampa Bay defence has been subpar.
26. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Andrew MacDonald (-0.7), Mark Streit (+4.0), Travis Hamonic (+0.8), Milan Jurcina (+4.8), Steve Staios (-0.8), Mark Eaton (-4.8), Dylan Reese (+5.3), Aaron Ness (-28.2), Mike Mottau (-1.4), Calvin De Haan (+16.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 29.9
Goals: 12
Assists: 58
+/-: -69
Comment: Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald provide promise and Mark Streit's performance has been so-so after a year off. The rest of the veteran group isn't terribly inspiring.
27. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): James Wisniewski, Fedor Tyutin, Nikita Nikitin, Grant Clitsome, John Moore, David Savard, Aaron Johnson, Brett Lebda, Marc Methot, Radek Martinek.
Shots Against Per Game: 29.3
Goals: 19
Assists: 85
+/-: -83
Comment: Believe it or not, there are actually some decent pieces here. James Wisniewski hasn't been able to stay in the lineup, thanks to suspension and injury, but Fedor Tyutin remains solid and Nikita Nikitin was a revelation after coming over from St. Louis. Rookies John Moore and David Savard should see plenty of ice time the rest of the way, particularly with Marc Methot done for the year.
28. EDMONTON OILERS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Tom Gilbert (+0.3), Jeff Petry (-4.0), Ladislav Smid (-2.4), Corey Potter (-1.6), Cam Barker (-13.2), Ryan Whitney (-10.1), Theo Peckham (-7.2), Andy Sutton (-1.6), Colten Teubert (-3.3), Taylor Chorney (-20.9), Alex Plante (-1.9).
Shots Against Per Game: 30.6
Goals: 18
Assists: 60
+/-: -47
Comment: The Oilers have thrown a lot of bodies out on their blueline, but they're generally a soft group. Corey Potter has been a nice addition and Ladislav Smid adds some bite defensively, but injuries have sidelined Ryan Whitney and Cam Barker for long stretches.
29. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Adam Larsson (+0.3), Bryce Salvador (-2.8), Mark Fayne (+1.1), Anton Volchenkov (+0.3), Andy Greene (-0.5), Kurtis Foster (+0.1), Matt Taormina (+0.2), Henrik Tallinder (+0.2), Alexander Urbom (-5.5), Peter Harrold (+13.0).
Shots Against Per Game: 27.3
Goals: 11
Assists: 65
+/-: -22
Comment: Rookie Adam Larsson has been the Devils' best blueliner and he leads the group with 16 points, but the rest of the group is entirely underwhelming.
30. MINNESOTA WILD
Defence (ES Shot Differential/60 mins.): Jared Spurgeon (-5.8), Marek Zidlicky (-0.9), Nate Prosser (-4.7), Justin Falk (-6.8), Nick Schultz (-8.2), Greg Zanon (-1.0), Clayton Stoner (-3.2), Marco Scandella (-6.2), Kris Fredheim (-5.9).
Shots Against Per Game: 32.4
Goals: 10
Assists: 52
+/-: -21
Comment: The Wild dealt their top defenceman, Brent Burns, in the offseason and the next one in line, Marek Zidlicky, has endured a miserable year, so it's been an uphill struggle for Minnesota. Jared Spurgeon, Nate Prosser and Justin Falk have handled more responsibility well, but if the Wild are really going to compete for the playoffs, swapping out Zidlicky and finding a top-four defenceman (top pair is asking a lot) would be most welcome.
Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook.