Muzzin on getting shots through; unblocked efficiency

Jake Muzzin was referenced in two of the 30 Thoughts in Elliotte Friedman’s most recent column. Discussing his summer on-ice preparation in London, Ontario, Muzzin divulged how he’s venturing to have fewer shot attempts of his blocked this coming season.

“We took a look at a lot of our shot attempts throughout the season, and the ones that were getting blocked or the ones where we could create a better shot or a better scoring opportunity,” Muzzin told LA Kings Insider on Tuesday. “We tried to do a move or a fake to create a better opportunity or a better shot or avoid getting that shot block. Whether it be a fake or shooting off a different foot or just being quicker or having the mindset to not try and overcomplicate things when sometimes just a clear shot is the proper play. So some stuff we looked at, and guys are so good at blocking shots these days that you have to try and stay one step ahead or whatever you’ve got to do to get it through, so we looked at that.”

Muzzin’s shot attempts that were blocked have actually come down during his three full seasons with the club, falling from 39.0% in 2012-13 (48 attempts blocked / 123 shot attempts) to 36.9% in 2014-15 (106/287) and 36.5% in 2014-15.

His 36.5% block rate was still the second-highest on the defense in 2014-15, though.

Current Defensemen, Percentage of 5×5 Attempts Blocked in 2014-15:
Brayden McNabb: 36.7% (61/166)
Jake Muzzin: 36.5% (99/271)
Drew Doughty: 35.9% (118/329)
Alec Martinez: 34.3% (58/169)
Matt Greene: 33.3% (58/174)
Jamie McBain: 31.6% (12/38)
Jeff Schultz: 31.3% (5/16)
Christian Ehrhoff: 27.2% (44/162)

Here’s looking at you, Christian.

Jake Muzzin, on what he’ll reinforce early in his first preseason game:
Probably just keep it simple. You haven’t been in that type of game in a long time. Keep it simple, don’t try to do anything too crazy. Get a feel for it, but be assertive and be confident in your plays.

Muzzin, on where he’s at the stage he wants to be at this point in training camp:
Yeah, I feel good. I’m healthy, excited for the season, excited for our team this year and looking forward to a good season and trying to get back to Stanley.