Lubomir Visnovsky’s offensive contributions paying dividends for the Anaheim Ducks
If there’s one thing that every team in the National Hockey League values, it’s offensive contributions from all their players. Whether the goals are coming from the top snipers, the rookies,
the veterans, or even the depth players, the contributions are always appreciated.
As important as goals from the forward lines are, many teams rely on some secondary scoring from the back end as well. The Anaheim Ducks are a prime example of team that take advantage
of the offensive skills of their defence corps. Veteran defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky has been leading the Ducks’ defenders in scoring thus far, with 14 points to his name. He is currently tied for second place amongst NHL defencemen.
Visnovsky believes that his strong sense of confidence has been the key to his recent successes.
“My confidence is bigger and bigger right now,” Visnovsky told
The Orange County Register. “It was a tough training camp. Everybody was tired. Right now everybody is so much better.”
The Slovakian’s numbers have been very impressive, as 10 of his first 14 points were scored at even strength instead of on the power play. Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle has been satisfied
with VIsnovsky’s performance, but he believes that Visnovsky should be contributing more on the power play.
Visnovsky generally averages more than 25 minutes of ice time per game, but Carlyle says that there is always room for improvement.
“We all look at the number of minutes he plays. We put him out there in a lot of key situations, but I still think he has more to give.”
Visnovsky has been paired with rookie blue-liner Cam Fowler, and the youngster has benefited greatly from his partner’s mentoring and quiet leadership.
“Lubo’s an unbelievable player and an even better guy,” Fowler said. “You wouldn’t even know it. He kind of quietly goes about his business. He’s so respectful to everybody, and he’s really
helped me out a lot, too. He’s always there for encouragement.”
The Ducks are scheduled to play their next game against the New York Islanders on Wednesday, 10 November at 22:00.
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