The point of 0 return: with goals so hard to come by in the playoffs, having offensive defensemen becomes a key to surviving the rugged road to the Stanley Cup. (NHL).(National Hockey League)

Offensive defenseman. A contradiction in terms, sure, but it's also the marriage of opposites that can turn an NHL playoff team into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

To be classified as an offensive defenseman, a player must be a swift skater who can make quick outlet passes, carry the puck around the opposition, support the offensive rush and make a play or take a shot. The player must see the ice well and often quarterbacks the power play; he must make split-second decisions to go with the rush or stay back. And, perhaps most important, an offensive defenseman must be able to get back into his own end and play solid defense.

The Red Wings (Nicklas ...