The most important task of defenders is to defend, but in the modern NHL, the best defenders also play a central role as engines of puck play. This is naturally also visible in the power points and those in Dallas Miro Heiskanen has started hitting the counter at a dizzying pace.
Between February and March alone, Heiskanen, who has a HIFK background, has averaged a point per game in the NHL. During the period, only Seattle Vince Dunnof Vancouver Quinn Hughes and San Jose Erik Karlsson have made Heiska more effective.
Heiskanen has scored a whopping 62 (11+51) power points in 70 matches during the season. Heiskanen, who stands out with his smooth and economical skating and his sharp game head, has a point average per match of 0.89. The last time a Finnish defender reached such a number was in the 1984-85 season (Reijo Rotsalainen).
In Finnish NHL history, only two players, Ruotsalainen and Risto Siltanen. The Swedish defender’s point record in one season (28+45=73) is still within the limits of possibilities for Heiskasen.
– Miro is an incredible player and what he is doing now is sensational. He is the lord and hidalgo in that team’s football game, who bears responsibility for playing and performance. What further increases the value of everything is the fact that he is doing it in the ranks of a champion candidate, having played 479 NHL games in his own career Ossi Väänänen anneal.
Unlimited credit
Heiskanen’s results shouldn’t come as a big surprise, even though the single-season regular season points record has already improved by 26 points.
Heiskanen already flashed this side of his game three years ago in the playoffs played in the corona bubble. He came as high as third in the points market.
At that time, 26 (6+20) power points were created in 27 matches. If Dallas had defeated Tampa Bay in the finals, the first Finnish player would have won the most valuable player award in the playoffs.
There is only one big change behind the final breakthrough: the Swedish defender by John Klingberg departure. Until this season, Klingberg ran Dallas’ number one power and otherwise ate up minutes from Heiskas.
– Miro gets to play a dream role there. He can have the upper hand for two minutes and play as much as he wants anyway. It seems that Miro also now understands that he is trusted like a mountain. That’s a huge thing for confidence. There couldn’t be a better place for him to play, a Stanley Cup winning defenseman Kimmo Timonen states.
Heiskanen’s playing time has increased by about 45 seconds per match and his superior responsibility by a minute. When Heiskanen scored 11 points in the power play last season, now he has 27 points.
– I remember very well from my own career when the top pack was removed from the front or otherwise you knew you would be able to play a lot. Back then, even before the game, I had the feeling that the day after tomorrow was going to be played anyway. Such eagerness to be number one. Miro was a good player before, but with superiority these top guys will score those points, Timonen continues.
– It is clear that giving up Klingberg has brought Miro into the game more. Now Heiskanen is the starting force of the entire game, and I’m sure they’ve talked about that with him as well. Now you don’t have to think anymore, you can play and spin there almost as you want. Miro now gets a lot of responsibility and you can see that he enjoys it, Väänänen agrees.
Comprehensiveness in the center
Comprehensiveness sets Heiskanen apart from its competitors. He is not lucky by galloping around the field at the expense of defending, but through skillful skating also takes care of his own territory’s obligations with style. It is precisely his exceptional skating that enables Heiskanen to excel in his own region.
Quick on his feet, Heiskanen is in the right positions in no time, making up for even his own losses.
– His skating is at an insane level. It allows a certain peace to play. He boldly plays the line and always makes it to every place. The legs don’t have to move a million times when there’s a slide like that and it’s so sturdy on skates, Väänänen states.
Timonen emphasizes the importance of understanding the game.
– Reading the game is everything for players like me or Miro, who are not so physical. Through experience, you learn to read when and how to go. Movement, using the stick and being the first on the puck are important things, of course. Miro always takes care of his own head in style.
Is a bet enough in the Norris race?
On a personal level, after everything, the hot question is: is Heiskanen’s bet enough to fight for the title of defender of the year? Heiskanen is eighth in the defensemen’s points market. On the other hand, the defensive game has not hit the bull’s eye, even though the basic level is high.
Traditionally, journalists who vote for the award have emphasized power points in their arguments, which makes Erik Karlsson, who is approaching a hundred points, a big favorite.
– Yes, Miro deserves to be part of that conversation. Karlsson has unimaginable powers, but he is in a quite different situation with San Jose, when there is no stake in the games, Väänänen reminds.
– Miro could be included in the discussion for skill and role, but how do you ignore a player who has scored almost a hundred points. Miro has hit the board with points that would be hard for some attackers, but unfortunately in this vote you usually have to be in the top two in the point exchange of the decks. That’s just a fact, says Timonen.
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