Mike Green: Leading By Example At Both Ends of the Rink

The summer of 2010 was an admittedly difficult one for Washington Capitals star Mike Green, after another disappointing performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.  He told reporters that he was so emotionally drained after the team's first-round loss to Montreal that he saw sports psychologists in order to "mentally prepare himself to play in the playoffs."  

However, the playoffs weren't the first time that he'd been criticized for his defensive play, as he was left off of the 2010 Canadian Olympic team, despite being second in Norris Trophy voting for the past two seasons. Steve Yzerman, the Canadian team's General Manager, expressed concern at the time about Green's play in his own end, and most assumed that's why Green was passed over for the squad.  

Fast forward to this season. Green, after overcoming an early nagging injury, has been the Capitals' best defenseman—at both ends of the ice.  

He has been a key member of the Capitals penalty-kill unit, which has improved drastically from a year ago, rising from 25th in the league to eighth.  

Additionally, Green has been asserting himself more in the defensive zone, and he has been more of a physical presence.  Coming into the season, Green said he felt "more confident than ever" about the season, and it's shown.  

The tougher, more confident Green even took on Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky on Wednesday, and looked impressive in the bout.  

His teammates, though they always defended Green's defensive acumen, have seen improvements so far in this young season.  Veteran forward Mike Knuble said recently that, while Green made his name for himself as an offensive defenseman, "you check any penalty-killing situation, any key, crucial time when we need to keep a goal out, he's out there."

While he has been lighting it up offensively as of late (as usual), with 10 points in his last seven games (through Tuesday's contest with New York), he has also been leading a much younger Capitals blue line.

Green serves as an example for the Capitals two rookie defenseman to follow, especially budding offensive defenseman John Carlson.  Green's progression as a defenseman has seen him evolve into a more well-rounded player, though he still has a flair for the dramatic offensively.  

Whether Green's early play is indicative of his playoff performance has yet to be seen. But the improvements made by the 25-year-old rearguards, both mentally and physically, are positive signs for the Capitals.