Option 2: The bare minimum that I expect from my defense is to limit shots on our net. That can be accomplished several ways in today's game. The most simple albeit painful way is to block a ton of shots. Wheater that be using your body or good stick placement, the less pucks that make it to our goalie the better. Then there is having the physical presence to keep players out of dangerous shooting areas. If you punish the opposition anytime they get near the net you can effectively keep them on the perimeter where all shots are easy to stop. Being physically imposing is a good way to scare people into submission. A couple of big hits into the walls and cross checks in the slot will have them thinking twice. That is what I expect from a defenseman. If they can make a crisp breakout pass and hit my stick in mis stride then I will be happy. Defense don't need to score goals, but if they can get the play moving and be the engine, I will do the rest.