Along with the other veterans was Jamie Langenbrunner, the subject of a change that began last season and has continued into the preseason with a goal and an assist in a deciding third period. But, the scoring is secondary. If Langenbrunner delivers with a breakout season, coach Ken Hitchcock won't seek confirmation by goal totals or points. He'll just be using a different measuring stick. I think if you keep trying to have higher expectations offensively, then he gets completely away from his game.
Defense comes first in the Dallas system and births offense.
Modano and Hull have understood, as have others. Now comes Langenbrunner's turn. He's aware of the expectations, which will be the same, whether he's playing with Joe Nieuwendyk, as he did Saturday, or on a checking line. On our team, defense is pretty important, and I pride myself on that. Hitchcock is clear about Langenbrunner's role model.