Volchenkov shows no fear of flying rubber

May 29, 2007 - 11:18 PM By Scott Erskine PA SportsTicker Hockey Editor

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - Last postseason, Jay McKee of the Buffalo Sabres received plenty of attention for his ability to block shots. This time around, that honor goes to Ottawa Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov.

In just his fourth season in the NHL after being drafted 21st overall in 2000, Volchenkov led the league during the regular season with 273 blocked shots in 78 games. The 25-year-old Moscow native has continued jumping in front of blasts in the playoffs, entering the Stanley Cup Finals with a league-high 61 in 15 contests.

During his first three campaigns, Volchenkov was not known for this talent. But with the departure of monstrous blue-liner Zdeno Chara via free agency last summer, the 6-1, 226-pounder received more ice time in 2006-07, thus more chances to hone the skill.

"We looked at Anton last year as probably a No. 5 (defenseman)," Senators coach Bryan Murray said. "And we played him, a lot of times, that way. But he got an opportunity to play more minutes, and he took advantage of the opportunity, as players often do.

"He's emerged as a top guy and he is a leader in blocking shots. He does a real good job. He's fearless. He gets in the lane real well."

Volchenkov completely agrees with his coach, and also believes the situations in which he plays allows for him to display the ability.

"I didn't learn to block shots. I've just been in games," he said. "Blocking shots is more important (when) playing (on the) penalty kill. I played more time this year on the penalty kill."

One person extremely appreciative of Volchenkov's willingness to fling his body in front of pucks is Ottawa goaltender Ray Emery, whose job has been made a bit easier.

"He's got a better save percentage than I do, I think," Emery joked. "It's great for me. He not only blocks shots that are kind of point shots and like the normal blocked shot, but he makes saves where there's an empty net, back-door passes, things like that. So it's great for me having a guy that is so good at doing that and can read plays so well."

Volchenkov's shot-blocking prowess has gotten better as the postseason has progressed. After recording 14 blocks - including 10 in the final two games - during the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the defenseman collected 25 in the semifinals vs. the New Jersey Devils.

He totaled 22 blocks in the conference finals against the Sabres, including a career-high 11 in Game Two, a number he fell one shy of in a losing effort in Game One of the Cup Finals on Monday.

But the majority of Volchenkov's blocked shots during the postseason have helped the Senators to victory. In the team's three losses over the first three rounds, he managed to record a total of just six.

The talent has become infectious amongst his teammates, who don't exactly relish the thought of throwing themselves in front of 95 mile-per-hour slap shots. But defense partner Chris Phillips admits he almost feels guilty when he elects not to go for a block.

"I think that's a good way of putting it," Phillips said. "You see some of the shots he gets in front of. It's a lot of times shots from far out that he's down and could easily be hitting him in the face. I think he just hopes that it gets him in his chest or legs. But he really is just fearless. He'll get in front of everything."

Not exactly, says Volchenkov.

"(There are) a couple of pretty strong shots in (Sergei) Gonchar and Sheldon Souray," the Russian said. "Maybe for their shot, I won't go down."

With Volchenkov sacrificing his body so often, it can't help but inspire the rest of the Senators to follow suit. Despite being outshot, 32-20, on Monday, Ottawa recorded a total of 22 blocks against just 13 by Anaheim.

Senators defenseman Tom Preissing, who did not record a block in Game One, thinks that plays into the minds of opponents.

"I can tell you that even if you block just one or two shots at the beginning of a series, that it can get into the head of guys on the other team," he said. "You begin to wonder as you shoot the puck."

Ottawa obviously needs to unleash more shots against Anaheim netminder Jean-Sebastien Giguere if it hopes to win the Stanley Cup. But if Volchenkov can get his teammates to continue to follow his lead, the Senators' chances likely will become a lot better.