Streit's defensive game has matured for Flyers
/The Philadelphia Inquirer examines how while Mark Streit has yet to record a point in the Flyers' series with the New York Rangers, he brings a lot to the proverbial table for his team. Over the years, he has become more responsible defensively.
"For me, as a defenseman, it took a little time to pick my spots," said Streit. "As a 20- or 21-year-old, I used to jump all the time. It's just a matter of being smart and doing it the right way, and then it can be a big asset to the team. I like my instincts offensively to read and react off situations that come up on the ice. It just took a little time."
Streit mentioned his admiration for Reijo Ruotsalainen as he was growing up.
"I was always fascinated by those kinds of guys," Streit said. "As a defenseman, the offense usually starts with the first pass after a good decision defensively. Obviously, with today's game, it's changed so much. It's all about skating. The defensemen need to be good skaters. It's like everybody needs to be good at everything, a little bit."