from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

It’s no secret that scoring goals is hard to do. Goalies are at their peaks. Armor lets skaters yawn while blocking shots. Coaches require their players to collapse in the defensive zone and smother quality chances. Forwards who don’t backcheck don’t play. Offenses are constipated.

So one of the more recent tweaks coaches are exploring is defenseman movement in the offensive zone. General managers, coaches, and scouts credit the Blackhawks for popularizing the innovation.

In the defensive zone, Duncan Keith (left shot) and Brent Seabrook (right) play their strong sides. But once they cross the offensive blue line, it’s unusual to see Keith manning the left point or Seabrook patrolling the right. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville encourages his defensemen to move, not just to position them in the right spots to launch one-timers. Keith, Seabrook, and the rest of the Chicago defensemen are in constant motion because it causes confusion in coverage.

The Blackhawks are the best example of a Rubik’s Cube — pieces rotated regularly, regardless of position, until they line up in perfect formation. Defensemen take the place of forwards. Wingers cover the points. Chicago’s rivals are following their lead.

“It’s a challenge,” said Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg. “It’s fun adjusting and fun evolving with the game. That’s how you stay in the league, I guess.”

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