from Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,

Ever wonder what it feels like to block a shot in the National Hockey League?

To take the full brunt of a slap shot from, say, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals or Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins?

“Imagine taking the rubber mallet in your dad’s tool shed, putting it in the freezer for a few hours, then getting hit as hard as you can with it,” Carolina Hurricanes defenseman John-Michael Liles recently said. “That’s how it feels.”

Shot-blocking has become something of an art form in the NHL as more players are willing to step in front of hard, frozen rubber coming their way.

“It’s not a trend. It’s now a requirement by all teams,” Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. “In the old days guys used to ‘flamingo’ a lot. But the equipment is a lot better now and it’s something that’s in our game.

“A shot block is a high commitment. And if you value high commitment in sport, that’s something you value.”

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