Jaccob Slavin: The Unsung Hero of Team USA’s Defense
BOSTON — In the world of hockey, where the spotlight often shines brightest on those who score the goals, it’s easy to overlook the players who quietly make a team tick. Enter Jaccob Slavin, the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman who has become an integral part of Team USA’s success at the 4 Nations Face-Off. According to Team USA coach Mike Sullivan, Slavin is not just a player; he’s the glue that holds the team together.
Team USA is a spectacle in every sense of the word. From their winning ways to their larger-than-life personalities, everything about them is designed to dazzle. Even the tradition of playing “Free Bird” after each goal adds to the spectacle, as fans half-expect a bald eagle to soar through the arena amidst fireworks. Yet, amidst all this grandeur, Slavin stands out as the antithesis of spectacle. His contributions, though less flashy, are crucial to the team’s success.
While goal scorers often steal the limelight, it’s the unsung heroes like Slavin who ensure that the team remains solid at the back. His defensive prowess is what allows Team USA to dream of another victory over Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+).
“He’s so underrated and he’s honestly one of my favorite players to watch,” said Team USA defenseman Jake Sanderson. “He just flies under the radar and makes great plays. He’s so solid defensively and such a great skater. It’s the sort of attribute I want in my game someday.”
Leading into the Tournament
Before the tournament began, much of the discussion centered around Team USA’s defensive structure. While Connor Hellebuyck was expected to be the starting goalie, the real question was about the defensemen who would be protecting the net. The U.S. assembled a formidable defensive lineup featuring Brock Faber, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy, Zach Werenski, Noah Hanifin, and Sanderson. These players are part of a new wave of puck-moving defensemen who have redefined the NHL’s glamour position.
Initially, the group included reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes, who was unfortunately ruled out due to injury. This shift in focus towards puck-moving defensemen has somewhat overshadowed the contributions of defensive-minded players like Slavin.
- Slavin is likened to a shutdown cornerback in football, while his teammates are seen as two-way quarterbacks.
- Coach Sullivan praises Slavin’s size, mobility, reach, and ability to read plays, making him one of the best defenders in the league.
Many Factors Contribute to Team USA’s Success
Team USA’s consistent performance throughout the 4 Nations tournament can be attributed to several factors, one of which is their restrictive defensive structure. Even if things go awry, they can rely on Hellebuyck, one of the greatest goaltenders America has ever produced, to save the day.
Opponents have found it challenging to break through Team USA’s defense. Finland and Canada each managed to score only once, and the U.S. won both games. Even a 2-1 loss to Sweden was inconsequential, as Team USA had already secured a spot in the title game.
Interestingly, Slavin was on the ice for both of Sweden’s goals, a rare occurrence given his track record. Before that, he had logged over 45 minutes of 5-on-5 and short-handed play without conceding a goal. He leads Team USA’s skaters with an average ice time of 21:31 per game and anchors a penalty kill that has yet to allow a power-play goal.
“He’s super tough to play against,” said Sweden and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. “The way he is in the way, the way he breaks pucks up and is such a great skater.”
Slavin’s brilliance often lies in the details, but there are moments when his impact is undeniable. In the win over Canada, he thwarted Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche superstar center and reigning Hart Trophy winner, forcing him to rethink his approach.
“Yeah, he’s incredible defensively and does a lot of little things that are hard to notice,” said Hanifin, who played with Slavin for three seasons in Carolina. “Just his stick. He breaks up so many plays that are hard to break up.”
Team USA’s Secret Weapon
Team USA and Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger has gained a newfound appreciation for Slavin’s skills during the 4 Nations tournament.
“He takes away stuff before it ever happens,” Oettinger said. “It never has time to develop, and he just reads the game so well and is so smart. I’m sure those goalies in Carolina love playing for him.”
While Slavin does contribute offensively, with seven seasons of more than 30 points and 20 points through 56 games this NHL season, his true value lies in his defensive capabilities. He has accumulated 292 points in 721 career games, a stark contrast to Hughes’ 392 points in 412 games.
Slavin’s low penalty minutes further highlight his effectiveness. Despite playing in high-risk situations, he has only 94 penalty minutes in 721 games. In comparison, Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk had 134 penalty minutes last season alone.
Coach Sullivan emphasized the importance of building a well-rounded team capable of thriving in any situation. By including Slavin, Team USA has not only thrived but also positioned itself to win the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“He’s been a big part of our group’s ability to be stingy defensively,” Sullivan said. “He’s a huge part of our penalty kill. He helps us at our net front. Those are the types of skill sets or complementary skill sets we were looking for when we were putting this group together.
“He may not be the guy that ends up on the scoring sheet or on [‘SportsCenter’], he’s just the guy that helps you win.”
Originally Written by: Ryan S. Clark
