[deknegt]

So i'm in my fourth season with the Flyers, and I think I have seen a pretty good pattern emerging when it comes to defenders and their game ratings.

As far as they go, Game Ratings aren't representative of a defender's ability to be a good defender, more as an indicator if he's a good/great offensive defender.

I've got players like Del Zotto and Letang who get a lot of assists and provide great offensive sparks on defense, but neither are what you call great defensive defenders.

Now I got Devante Stephens over on a trade, and he's pretty much an amazing defensive player despite having only 4 potential. Most defensive skills are over 15 barring faceoffs and positioning (14). Stickchecking even has 21!

And it shows in his games, he gets blocks, hits, and plenty of take-aways. But because he's not a premier passer/shooter, his NHL career GR over 184 games is a measly 65.

Letang on the other hand's lowest season average was 83! and MDZ's is 78.

Now I got a team that's an offensive powerhouse and who are defensively lacking, because i've been a fool to only go with Game Ratings all this time expecting i'd get defensive stars in return.

So yeah, Game Ratings are a bit skewed towards point scorers be they assists or goals. Naturally players can still get 80+ ratings without scoring, but it's been obvious that such occurences only happen when players have extraordinary performances on defense or non-scoring offense.