Volchenkov masters blueline

The Ottawa Senators had many questions coming into this critical National Hockey League season, but one of them was not the poised and lethal defending of Russian stalwart Anton Volchenkov. 

Taking a critical eye to the Senators’ defensive core coming out of training camp, many thought that the loss of Jason Smith to retirement would prove to weaken a blueline that has already underperformed.  Skepticism was high because of the lack of an elite presence.  The native of Moscow has set an incredible standard, picking his spots to send clear messages to the opposition and continually warm the Senator faithful with his diligence and stability.

Inspired play from former 1996 1^st overall selection Chris Phillips and outstanding performances by a pair of rookies, 19-year-old Erik Karlsson and 28-year-old Matt Carkner, have buoyed the club.  The defense has also been aided by the terrific start to the season of Alexandre Picard in the wake of an injury to Filip Kuba.  The spot was not seized by 22-year-old Brian Lee.  Any mention of improved defense must have newly anointed netminder Pascal Leclaire grace the page as well.

Also, the Senators’ defenders have aid steeping on the horizon.  Patrick Wiercioch, Jared Cowan, and Tomas Kudelka show that Ottawa will place pressure on its defense corps from within the organization, a healthy and sought after progression for any franchise.

In the young season, rookies Viktor Stalberg and John Tavares became the subjects of the eight-year veteran Volchenkov’s wrath among others.  Stalberg missed a couple games early into his tenure with the arch rival Toronto Maple Leafs 6 October 2009, because of his proximity to a certain on-ice assassin, and two nights later, John Tavares ended up flat on his hind side pondering his existence after challenging the Ottawa defense.  Both hits were featured in a “Top 10 Hits of the Week” video on the official website.

Undervalued, Volchenkov is a premier shot blocker, foiling 180 attempts on net to finish in the top ten last season.  This statistic coupled with the fact that the 27-year-old took twice as many shots (79) as penalty minutes (36) last season.  Volchenkov is positionally accurate and his offensive talent speaks of a hushed candour when chances arise.  In fact, modest point totals would certainly be higher, yet limiting chances for and reaping fear in adversaries is his utmost concern.  Surprisingly, he is not among the league leaders in hits because he displays a killer instinct waiting for prime opportunities to make his indelible mark. 

Volchenkov's subdued nature as a team member should not be taken for a lack of passion.   The former World Junior and World Championship gold and silver medalist is an absolute when it comes to defensive prowess.  When rhetoric is spewed about unsung heroes contributing in any and every way every single night, Volchenkov should certainly rise to the forefront.  He will be an integral part of success for Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics and be a major force in any hope for Ottawa securing a place in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.

15 October 2009 / Robin Keith Thompson