Born to Block Shots - Zbynek Michalek

Written by Jenna | 21 January 2010

Zbynek Michalek might just be one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL. Thankfully Czech hockey has seen what the Phoenix fans see in a daily basis and named him to their Olympic roster.

I stole this picture from Z's biggest fan. Thanks Mo! So this is Z being manly handsome.

Fans in Phoenix may just riot if Z is not resigned before he becomes UFA. He is a valuable member of the Coyotes, and not just because he is "manly handsome".

Last season Z lead the NHL in blocked shots. 271 to be xact. This is not unusual for Z. He is always willing to sacrifice his body (or his pretty face) to stop a puck. On a recent broadcast, Sean Burke stated that if he had to pick on player on the team to play goalie, it would be Z. If for some strange reason both Bryz and Labarbera were injured in a game, Z would be strapping on the goalie gear. I concur, Z would be the best choice on Phoenix's current roster. I am pretty sure that he will not have to jump into the net for the Czechs though.

Z is one of Phoenix's only true defensive dmen. He knows what his job is and does it quietly and efficiently. You can always count on Z; he is very reliable. Typically he is paired with a very offensive dman in Jovo or Yandle. With those two always jumping in on the play, Z has to man the blue line. Don't get me wrong though, Z can score. He just does it from the blueline. He has 3G and 8A in 41 games this season, with one of those being a game winner.

Currently Z is a +9 and has blocked 97 shots. His +/- took a dive after the Buffalo debacle... he was a -5 that game (I blame Jovo. It's always Jovo's fault). Z missed 9 games early on in the season but is still in the top 20 for blocked shots. I am sure he will get the number much higher by the end of the season.

And recenetly Z has become a father. He had a beautiful baby boy this summer, Andres (not sure if that is the correct spelling). Little Andres has his father's baby blues, sure to be a heartbreak. ;)

Z's Faves:
TV Show: Friends
Band: Coldplay
Movie: Gladiator

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