This is Charlie Huddy. For years he was the quietly reliable defenseman with the Edmonton Oilers dynasty teams in the 1980s, often teaming with all time great Paul Coffey. While few defensemen could match Coffey's flair or point totals, Huddy was more than just a defensive anchor for the Hall of Famer.
"I stay back more often than Paul, but when I get the puck and the play is in transition I take off with it and he becomes the man who stays back. We work very well together," he reminded us.
"Coffey wasn't trapped as often this season and playing with a steady partner like Huddy seems to have worked well for both of them," said coach Glen Sather. "Some hockey people question why I put our two best offensive defensemen together, but I reason the best defense is an attack that has the puck up in the opposition's end."
Scotty Bowman agreed.
"No one wheels it to the attack or knows when the exact moment of transition takes place better than those two guys on the Oiler blueline. Not even Larry Robinson and Serge Savard when they were at their peak in Montreal."
The chemistry between Coffey and Huddy was almost instant.
"Coffey sort of adopted me when they brought me up (from the minors) at Christmas time in 1981. He helped me over the rough spots, and in practice naturally paired with me. I think Slats got the message and left us together."
Here's more on Paul Coffey and Charlie Huddy
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