The centre's first and foremost responsibility is defending the slot area from opposing forwards.

His weaknesses are defensive, in stopping opposing forwards at even strength.

He is probably the hardest player in the league for opposing forwards to play against.

The only things that have popped, though, have been the chests of opposing forwards.

For opposing forwards, getting the puck behind Leetch has become almost laughably easy.

Flyer defensemen put little fear in opposing forwards with punishing body checks.

None of these guys make opposing forwards afraid to cruise the slot.

It is especially critical for the defenceman to keep opposing forwards from being able to move effectively in front of the net.

But defense has not been the only problem for Leetch, who is expected to score as well as stop opposing forwards.

He was adept at keeping opposing forwards from creating offense from behind the net.