Flyer's Pronger and D Working Out Kink's in Chainmail Armor

It's no surprise that Chris Pronger is the best defensemen for the Philadelphia Flyers and it is no surprise that as he goes, the team defense goes too. This year Pronger has not been as dominating as he was in years past. Some might suggest that this has to do with the minor knee surgery that he underwent in July, and others may suggest it is about time the skyscraper's age caught up with him. But this simply is not the case.

Chris Pronger's defensive game is not 100%.  But it has nothing to do with aching knees or age. It is simply lapses of judgement. Let us exam just one game, last Thursday's shootout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chris Pronger made mistakes that led directly to opposing goals. On Downie's goal, the sixth for the Lightning, Pronger misreads a puck leading to an odd man rush. Then he hustles, gets back, and leaves Downie open back door. On Tampa's game winner Pronger simply doesn't pick up his man as he goes right by him and pounds in a rebound.