Jackets emphasizing defensive play with Werenski
The learning curve that hones all NHL defensemen has taken another turn for Zach Werenski.
After working his way back to the top defensive pairing to play with Seth Jones almost two weeks ago, recent defensive mistakes prompted coach John Tortorella to move him back to the third unit for the Blue Jackets’ game Saturday night against the Washington Capitals.
“We’re still trying to work with him,” Tortorella said at the morning skate. “Tonight, (Werenski’s) going to move away from Jonesy, just because we want to do that again now and try to get him to play better defensively.”
Werenski, 21, was on the ice for all three Flyers goals in the Jackets’ 4-3 overtime win Thursday in Philadelphia, including back-to-back scores in the third period by defenseman Travis Sanheim.
Already at the 100point milestone in just his third NHL season, Werenski is trying to raise his defensive game to a similar standard. It’s often the most difficult thing for a young defenseman grasp at this level, but especially for Werenski — whose offensive abilities have made coaches drool at every level.
“Now, I’m putting more emphasis on defense and trying to learn that part of the game,” said Werenski, who played his 184th NHL game Saturday. “I’m 21 years old and I’ve played almost 200 games. I’ve done some good things in this league and I’ve done some bad things in this league. It’s just learning right now.”
Virtually all NHL defensemen go through it, including Jones, who is only 24 himself. Jones’ best advice for Werenski is to keep his focus clear.
Tortorella used the term “rover” to describe Werenski last year, and still does occasionally, but finding the balance between pushing for offense and playing strong defense has proven to be tricky.
“I think the most important thing to really realize is just your title,” Jones said. “It’s a ‘defenseman.’ As defensemen, our job is to play (defense). Without that fundamental vision of your position, it’s hard. Our job is to play defense. From there, your offensive instincts are there. Nobody has to teach you that.”
Getting it done
It has been 12 games since Brandon Dubinsky moved from center to left wing on the third line, playing with center Alexander Wennberg and the right wing du jour, either Oliver Bjorkstrand or Anthony Duclair.
Dubinsky still takes plenty of face-offs, winning an impressive 55.4 percent before to facing the Capitals, and he has shown an eagerness to play around the net. That’s where he scored from on Thursday against the Flyers, putting Columbus up 2-1 in the first period by tipping in a shot from the point.
“It’s nice to see Dubi score a goal, because he’s done a really good job bringing pucks to the net,” Tortorella said. “(He’s) been a little snakebitten, has had some opportunities where he’s shot wide. Guys, even if they get an empty-net goal, it helps their confidence offensively.”
New look
Tortorella made a switch up front along with reconfiguring the defense pairings.
Aside from Werenski sliding to the third pairing to play with Scott Harrington, he re-paired Ryan Murray with Jones on the first unit and reunited Markus Nutivaara and David Savard.
Up front, Oliver Bjorkstrand stayed in the lineup and moved to the fourth line and Duclair played for the first time since Nov. 26 in Detroit. Lukas Sedlak, who had played in 10 straight games, was a healthy scratch.
bhedger@dispatch.com @BrianHedger