The Penguins' top defensive pair that should be on everyone's radar: 'Best in the NHL'

At first, the couple seemed like an odd match on paper. Erik Karlsson, the three-time Norris Trophy winner, has long had a reputation as an elite offensive player rather than a shutdown defensive man.

Scoring since he broke in with 883 points since 2009, no defensemen in the NHL have racked up more.

The resume of Parker Wotherspoon, who came into the season with 55 NHL games and a -10, would seem like an afterthought. But together, they've become one of the greatest defensive pairs in the NHL.

Karlsson appears to be having one of the best defensive seasons in a long time, and Wotherspoon has become a consistent and trustworthy defensive partner.

The stats reflect the narrative, ranking in the top three among those who've played together with at least 200 minutes in their goals against rate at 5-on-5 (1.19), fourth in high-danger chance suppression (8.75) per 60, and boasting a 64.7% goals-for percentage and six even-strength goals against.

These are their roles. Wotherspoon keeps things straightforward and risk-free, allowing Karlsson to make an impact without putting the team in danger.

This wasn't the case in the past season, in which Karlsson struggled with Mike Sullivan's uptight system. Now, under the guidance of Dan Muuse, he has been encouraged to play to his strength, and the results are there.

Wotherspoon, who was on the bubble as the seventh defenseman, now seems like a steal on his two-year contract. Karlsson seems reinvigorated and energised, in part due to the better play from Pittsburgh and the motivation of the upcoming Olympics.

While it may still be a bit early, the unlikeliest of tandems has proven to be one of the brightest spots in the Penguins' season.