Mike Komisarek: The NHL's Roughest and Toughest Defenceman

Bradley Karp takes an in-depth look why Mike Komisarek became the NHL toughest blue liner after the 2007-08 season.

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May 16, 2008

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NHL, NHL Northeast, Montreal Canadiens, Mike Komisarek, Editorial

Mike Komisarek, the Montreal Canadiens 6-foot-4, 240 pound defenceman has become the NHL's roughest and toughest player.

He played 75 games this year, putting an end to his iron man streak of 196 games. In what was a breakout season for Komi, he was able to lead the NHL in blocked shots, with 227 and finished second in the league, with 266 hits.

Leading the Canadiens with a 9 Plus/minus rating this year. Pretty good for the man who was consistently paired up with Andrei Markov against, the league's best players. Mike was on the Habs #1 PK and played in all of the tight defensive situations. He consitently crushed his opponents into the end boards, delivering hit after hit, not only did he dish them out, but he was able to take them as well.

"Rock em sock em robot" hockey is not all the Mike did this year. He became an leader in the room as well, proudly sporting the "A" for the 2nd year in a row, Komisarek developed into the poised leader on the blue line that the habs will need in the future. I hope the other player's have their chin straps on because the only game Mike Komisarek plays is tough hockey.

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comments (4) write a comment »

reply to comment by Miah
about 1 month ago

great post, he is definitely a big guy the players do not want to meet along the board without having to see some glass and hearing some bells!
but I would have picked phaneuf for the roughest and toughest though,
still, Komo deserves the honour roll !

:)
reply to comment by Bradley
about 1 month ago

Phaneuf can lay out the big hits too.. but he wont come close to komi's iron man streak. thats what makes him tough....and phaneuf's defensive game is not as solid
reply to comment by Matt
about 1 month ago

Komisarek is up there for sure. Phaneuf too. You could throw Ovechkin in there too. Dustin Brown can lay the hits, since he led the league with 311 hits.

But combined with his ability to block shots, Komisarek is also a great defensive asset, a much better #1 D-Man than Sheldon Souray. Yet, Phaneuf has an offensive upside that Komi doesn't. Same with Ovechkin and Brown, even though they are forwards.

Good read!
reply to comment by Ryan
about 1 month ago

Love Komisarek. Does the maize and blue proud.