#2 Sylvain Lefebvre
Scouting Report
The Finesse Game
Lefebvre is a good argument for instituting an NHL award for best defensive defensemen (as opposed to the Norris Trophy, which in recent years has gone to offensive defensemen). If there was such a piece of hardware, Lefebvre would be a finalist, if not a winner. He´s one of the best at one-on-one coverage. He´s always in position and always square with his man. He reads the play well, and makes good outlet passes from out of his own end. Lefebvre plays his position the way any coach would try to teach it to a youngster. Safe and dependable, Lefebvre makes the first pass and then forgets about the puck. He couldn´t be any less interested in the attack. If he has the puck at the offensive blueline and doesn´t have a lane, he just throws it into the corner. His game is defense first, and he is very basic and consitent in his limited role. He does it all playing his "wrong" side on defense and matching up against the other team´s top lines on a nightly basis. Lefebvre actually has below-average skills in speed and pcukhandling, but by playing within his limits and within the system he is ultrareliable.

The Physical Game
Tough without being a punishing hitter, Lefebvre patrols and controls the front of his net and plays a hardnosed style. He plays a containment game.

The Intangibles
Lefebvre is a rock-solid defensive defenseman. He is a quiet leader, well respected by teammates and opponents. He made the perfect anchor for the roving Sandis Ozolinsh two seasons ago.