Ruhwedel's style makes him easy to overlook, underrate

Chad Ruhwedel.CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Chad Ruhwedel never will have to craft a Norris Trophy acceptance speech.

He won't have to back out of plans for a family getaway because he's been selected to play in an All-Star Game, either.

And there's not much chance that he'll ever be a dominant presence in a Penguins highlights video.

Third-pairing defensemen don't often have to worry about such things.

But much like bottom-six forwards, guys who work on the No. 3 pairing have a value that often is greater than their public profile, especially on successful teams.

Indeed, men handling those duties well generally are part of the reason those teams are successful in the first place.

Ruhwedel's average ice time…