#8 Sandis Ozolinsh
Scouting Report
The Finesse Game
Ozolinsh is a pure "offenseman" but one who never knows when not to go. Unlike more intelligent rushing defensemen, such as Brian Leetch and Raymond Bourque, Ozolinsh sees only one traffic light, and it´s stcuk on green. Ozolinsh likes to start things by pressing in the neutral zone, where he will gamble and try to intercept cross-ice passes. His defense partner and the forwards will always have to be alert to guard against odd-man rushes back, because Ozolinsh doesn´t recognize when it´s a good time to be aggressiveor when to back off. When he does deign to visit his own zone, Ozolinsh will start the breakout play with his smooth skating, then spring a teammate with a crisp pass. He can pass on his forehand or backhand, which is a good thing because he is all over the ice. He will follow up the play to create an odd-man rush, trail in for a drop pass or drive to the net for a rebound. Ozolinsh has good straightaway speed, but he can´t make a lot of agile, pretty moves the way Paul Coffey can. Because he can´t weave his way through a number of defenders, he has to power his way into open ice with the puck and drive the defenders back through intimidation. He sometimes hangs onto the puck too long. He has a variety of shots, with his best being a one-timer from the off side on the power play. He is not as effective when he works down low. Ozolinsh does not stop and start well, especially when moving backwards.

The Physical Game
Ozolinsh goes into areas of the ice where he gets hit a lot, and he is stronger than he looks. He is all business on the ice and pays the price to get the puck, but he needs to develop more strength to clear out his crease.

The Intangibles
Ozolinsh is a sure bet for 50 points if he stays healthy, and he managed to hit that mark despite losing some playing time to injuries. Few teams are as well-suited for his rushing style as Colorado, and this happy marriage may boost him into the top 10 of scoring defensemen next season.