In hockey, BLK is an abbreviation that stands for Blocks. It refers to the statistic recorded when a player intentionally positions themselves to prevent an opponent's shot from reaching the net or their goaltender.
A block is a crucial defensive play where a skater, often a defenseman but sometimes a forward, puts their body in the path of a puck shot by an opposing player. This action stops the shot, preventing it from becoming a scoring chance or potentially hitting the net. Blocks are highly valued for their defensive impact and demonstrate a player's commitment to protecting their team's net.
Common Hockey Abbreviations
Blocks are one of several statistical categories tracked in hockey, particularly in fantasy hockey leagues, to evaluate player performance. Here are some common abbreviations found in player statistics:| Abbreviation | What It Means |
|---|---|
| BLK | Blocks |
| FW | Faceoffs Won |
| FL | Faceoffs Lost |
| HIT | Hits |
For more details on these and other scoring categories, you can refer to resources like Scoring categories in Fantasy Hockey.
The Significance of Blocks in Hockey
Blocking shots is a testament to a player's courage and defensive acumen. It's a high-impact play that can shift momentum and protect a lead.- Defensive Prowess: Players who consistently block shots are often considered strong defensive assets, willing to sacrifice their body to prevent goals.
- Penalty Kill: Blocks are particularly vital during penalty kill situations, where a team is shorthanded and aims to limit the opposing power play's scoring opportunities.
- Preventing Shots on Goal: Each block prevents a shot from potentially challenging the goaltender, reducing the chances of a goal against.
- Valued Statistic: In many fantasy hockey formats, blocks are a key scoring category, increasing the value of players who regularly contribute in this area.
While defensemen are typically the leaders in blocked shots due to their primary defensive responsibilities, forwards also contribute significantly, especially when backchecking or playing in the defensive zone.
