March 4, 2021
This is not an unfamiliar position for Niklas Hjalmarsson, who embraces blocking shots for the Arizona Coyotes, and ranks 19th all time. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – Niklas Hjalmarsson has never been afraid to take one for the team.
Well, make that two or three.
He’s made a living blocking shots on a nightly basis over the course of his 14-year career in the National Hockey League.
“It just comes naturally for me,” Hjalmarsson said.
On Wednesday night, Hjalmarsson played in his 800th career game when the Arizona Coyotes earned a 3-2 victory over the Kings at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.