Scouting the Detroit Red Wings: Brian Rafalski

July 24, 11:54 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Brian Rafalski

Today's profile: Brian Rafalski

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 191
Birthdate: September 28, 1973 (35 years old)
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Uniform #: 28
Contract status: Signed through 2011-12
Salary Cap Figure: $6,000,000
Salary in 2009-10: $6,000,000
 

2008-09

Rafalski established career highs in assists (49) and points (59) this past season and scored 34 points (6-28) in the final 42 games of the season, while playing fewer minutes per game (23:10) than he has in the past three seasons, proving that sometimes less is more. His 59 points tied him for the team lead among defenseman with Nicklas Lidstrom, and third in defenseman scoring in the NHL with Lidstrom and Scott Niedermayer of the Anaheim Ducks.

Rafalski thrives on the powerplay, scoring half of his goals with the man-advantage, and 2008-09 was no different. He doesn't possess a hard shot and his scoring range is shorter than most defenseman and he compensates by moving deeper in to the offensive zone to shoot. Other teams need to be aware of this tendency or they risk leaving him uncovered in prime scoring range (see graphic at right). He most often scores with a snap-shot or wrist shot as opposed to the slap shot. The need to move in deeper into the zone to create scoring chances leaves him vulnerable to getting caught and creating odd man rushes against.

Career Notes: NHL All-Rookie Team (2000).

Throughout the summer I will be profiling the 2009-10 Detroit Red Wings players in comprehensive scouting reports.

Be sure to check out the slide show below for some action shots of Rafalski from last season.

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