Defensemen are like suspenders. When putting on pants, it’s nice to have them holding the pants up, thus avoiding embarrassment. But if the suspenders are absent, the pants fall. Unless of course the waist (otherwise known as the goaltender) is big enough to somewhat support the pants and avoid a catastrophe.
But why risk it? That’s why it’s always nice to have a pair of suspenders around. Or for NHL purpose, three pairs.
The Dallas Stars have seen a shocking fluctuation over the past few seasons in their suspenders collection. Since the beginning of the 2013-2014 season, the Stars have used the services of an overwhelming 20 defensemen.