Substance over flash may not get a player a lot of attention out on the ice, but it’s a way for them to ingratiate themselves as a crucial piece to a successful team.
Marc Methot doesn’t put up amazing statistics for the Ottawa Senators, but he has established himself as an anchor of this defensive unit.
While Erik Karlsson displays unrivaled offensive acumen and skill at the position, his lack of size has always made him vulnerable to the defensive aspects of being a blue-liner.
Methot isn’t blessed with Karlsson’s playmaking talent, but he has carved out an important role on this team as a steady, stay-at-home defenseman capable to nullifying an opposing team’s attack.
Karlsson has the peace of mind to know that Methot will be there to back him up when he ambitiously takes chances to try to make things happen out on the ice.
They are the perfect complement to each other as a defensive pair. They serve as poetic symbolism of the duality of existence, particularly in a rink setting. They are the defensive yin and yang.
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Karlsson is a small, speedy playmaker with a knack for moving the puck and creating scoring chances. Methot is a big, burly defender with a steady demeanor on the ice and whose top priority is quiet consistency.
Methot first came into the league with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and established himself as a hard-hitting defenseman.
He was traded to the Senators during the 2012 offseason for Nick Foligno. Although Foligno eventually scored 31 goals for the Blue Jackets during the 2014-2015 season, Methot’s value to the Senators may be best illustrated with how Karlsson thrives with him as a partner.
Methot himself has never scored more than 23 points in a season, but that’s not really his role with this squad. He and Karlsson have great chemistry out on the ice, and Methot’s presence allows Karlsson to be able to try to make plays without having to worry about the team becoming vulnerable on defense because of that attacking mentality. They have each other’s back.
Methot has also proven to be a capable shot blocker. This past season was actually his first year with the Senators in which he played in over 60% of the team’s games and didn’t lead the team in blocked shots.
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Methot is an integral part of this team, and provides an invaluable defensive presence. He doesn’t capture a lot of headlines with his play, but he’s definitely a talented blue-liner.