Nick Schultz
#55 / Defenseman / Philadelphia Flyers
6-1 | 203 | August 25, 1982
Strasbourg, SK | 2nd, 2000 (Wild)
| Assets | Is a low-maintenance defender who can log huge minutes if need be. Displays plenty of grit for the blueline position. Plays with poise. Always gives his all and leads by example. |
| Flaws | Lacks the physicality to punish offensive forwards. Doesn’t play with a lot of confidence in the offensive zone at the National Hockey League level, and is a limited talent overall. |
| Career Potential | Veteran defensive defenseman with leadership qualities. (Assets, Flaws and Career Potential via The Hockey News player page) |
Career 25-Game Rolling Five-on-Five Corsi-For Percentage:
2015-16 Even-Strength Usage Chart:
Why you should know who he is: Schultz is a veteran of more than 1,000 NHL games. His career has spanned two decades and four different organizations. The defenseman tallied a single goal in four games against Washington this year (February 7th) and averages about eighteen minutes of ice under Dave Hakstol ‘s direction. Schultz, as evidenced by his longevity, won’t bring Philadelphia fans out of their seats but he will contribute a solid night’s effort throughout this first round series.
How the Caps can stop him: The biggest challenge Schultz poses for Washington is his stable, dependable defensive zone play. He has generally been paired with Mark Streit this season, allowing the more offensively gifted defenseman the chance to jump into the offense without having to worry about who’s behind him. The two defenseman total 72 years of age together so the Capitals would be well served to keep the defenders busy in their own end of the ice.
Previously: Jakub Voracek | Brayden Schenn