Is a No. 1 Defenseman More Important Than a Hot Goaltender in NHL Playoffs?

One of hockey's most common cliches involves the importance of goaltending, but is a No. 1 defenseman more important to a team than a hot goaltender in the NHL playoffs? While each fan, player and analyst may have a different opinion, there is reason to believe that having a dominant defender is more crucial.

To fairly analyze this question, it is best to look at some statistical evidence.

Hot Goaltending Sometimes Matters...

The four remaining goaltenders have all had different performances thus far, and each team has made the conference finals for different reasons. While each goaltender has played well, they have not all been the MVP for their team.

For a better understanding, here are some charts that show how each team's offense has performed and how each goalie has played thus far.

By looking at the charts, it is evident how crucial Jonathan Quick's play has been. Conversely, the charts also illustrate how goaltending hasn't played a huge role for other teams such as the Penguins.

Sometimes It Doesn't Matter Who Is in Net

Although the Penguins' play improved dramatically when Marc-Andre Fleury was benched, all they needed was a goalie who could stop the puck. The Penguins' offense is on fire right now, and they are scoring enough goals to win no matter who is in net.

Conversely, teams that had hot goaltending faltered and folded when it mattered most.

Craig Anderson didn't seem to help the Ottawa Senators against the Penguins, and there are other goalies whose play didn't have a significant impact on their team's playoff outcome.

Henrik Lundqvist had a decent playoffs, but despite his great play, the Boston Bruins defeated him during the second round.

There have also been times when teams with horrendous goaltending have done well. The 2010 Stanley Cup Final didn't have the best goaltending, and a look at the stats from the entire playoffs tells you all you need to know.

So far there are good reasons for and against hot goaltending, but does the same apply to No. 1 defensemen?

Final Four Teams Are Led by Elite Defensemen

Drew Doughty, Kris Letang, Duncan Keith and Zdeno Chara are the four remaining No. 1 defenders in the playoffs. They are on teams that also have competent No. 2 and 3 defenders who can help eat key minutes. 

Given the fact that these are elite players, one might think that No. 1 defenders are clearly more important than hot goaltending. On the surface it would appear that having a defenseman who can prevent and generate scoring would be the most valuable part of a team.

But other evidence debunks that notion.

Sometimes Having a No. 1 Defenseman Doesn't Matter

The Minnesota Wild had Ryan Suter, but he was no match for the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks' overpowering offense was simply too powerful. In that series, goaltending and defense was clearly not a strength.

The Red Wings had Niklas Kronwall and Jimmy Howard, but they still lost their series against the Blackhawks. While each player rose to the occasion, the Red Wings' inability to score in the final three games sealed their fate. 

However, there are still instances when losing a No. 1 defenseman can have a sizable impact.

Sometimes Losing a No. 1 Defenseman Can Sting

There are two sides to the No. 1 defenseman argument just like there was with hot goaltending. In a few scenarios, the lack of a No. 1 defenseman hurt teams, which suggests that having one is more important than goaltending.

Despite having Lundqvist in goal, the Rangers were without their No. 1 defenseman Marc Staal. The Anaheim Ducks lost a close first-round series, and an injured Francois Beauchemin impacted the team's defense.

Thus far arguments have been made that hot goaltending and having a No. 1 defenseman does and doesn't matter, but which matters more?

Neither, Because Scoring Can Make Up For Lapses 

If you look at the remaining teams, there is something that links them together. That link is talent, and although three of the four teams are currently scoring, it is still the most important factor in the playoffs. Jonathan Quick is the exception, because without him the Kings wouldn't still be in the playoffs.

The Kings have Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Justin Williams and Dustin Brown on their roster, but the team has only averaged two goals per game. They are bound to pick it up, but the team's offensive talent is there.

The Kings' situation is the one situation in which goaltending has compensated for lack of scoring, but every other team has had scoring that could cover up deficiencies.

The Bruins' increase in scoring compensated for a weakened blue line that forced them to start three rookies. Were Andrew Ference, Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden missed against the Rangers?

No, because the Bruins were able to score, and scoring and winning can make up for anything.

During the second round, the Penguins' offensive explosion was a bigger story than the fact that Tomas Vokoun was in net. Multiple players such as James Neal and Kris Letang burst out against the Senators, and the goaltending controversy became almost nonexistent.

It would also fair to say that the Penguins' increase in scoring could have allowed Dan Bylsma to play Fleury or Vokoun against the Senators, because the offense was just that good.

Additionally the Blackhawks' ability to have multiple players contribute helped them defeat the Red Wings. While the numbers may not suggest it, this was the case even with Jonathan Toews slumping.

When taking a closer look at the numbers, the Blackhawks stand out. It is clear that the Bruins and Penguins have had a good offense, but the Blackhawks have been deceptive. Their overall scoring looks low, but they have a star-studded roster.

While they aren't blowing teams away offensively like the Penguins are, they have a number of players producing. Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane, Bryan Bickell, Andrew Shaw and even Michal Handzus have performed well.

It is fair to state that a No. 1 defenseman and a hot goaltender can be very important to a team's success. But that hasn't been the case for the teams left contending for the Stanley Cup during the 2013 NHL playoffs.