McAvoy has been the backbone of the Bruins’ blue line, excelling at both ends of the ice. His physical presence and ability to shut down top forwards have been instrumental in Boston’s success. A prime example came in their game against the Maple Leafs, where McAvoy logged over 28 minutes of ice time and had a crucial blocked shot to preserve a late lead. Beyond his defensive prowess, his fluid puck movement has bolstered the Bruins’ transition game.
Meanwhile, Heiskanen continues to cement his status as one of the best all-around defensemen in the league. With his exceptional skating and positioning, he is the glue that holds Dallas’ defensive structure together. In a game against Colorado, Heiskanen had two assists while shutting down Nathan MacKinnon’s impact — a feat few can claim. His composure under pressure and ability to control the pace of the game have made him indispensable to the Stars.
These two defensemen epitomize the modern NHL defenseman: skilled, versatile and capable of dominating all facets of the game. As the season unfolds, expect McAvoy and Heiskanen to play pivotal roles in their teams’ playoff runs, proving once again that defense wins championships.
