Slovak Defenseman Sets NHL Record for Blocked Shots

Martin Fehérváry's shot-blocking prowess surpasses previous Slovak league record

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:07am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in the act of blocking a shot, with the puck, player, and ice surface broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the physical sacrifice and strategic positioning required for elite NHL shot blocking.Buffalo Today

Martin Fehérváry, a Slovak defenseman for the Washington Capitals, has set a new NHL record for the most blocked shots in a season by a Slovak player. Fehérváry's 167 blocked shots as of a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres surpassed the previous record held by Andrej Sekera, showcasing his defensive dedication and pain tolerance.

Why it matters

Shot blocking is a crucial but physically demanding aspect of hockey, with players risking injury to protect their team. Fehérváry's achievement highlights the growing importance of specialized defensive roles and the use of data analytics to optimize shot-blocking strategies. It also raises questions about the evolution of protective equipment and player safety as shooting speeds continue to increase.

The details

Fehérváry's record-breaking performance came against the Buffalo Sabres, whose forward Tage Thompson is known for having one of the hardest shots in the NHL, frequently exceeding 90 mph. While protective equipment helps mitigate the impact, players still describe the experience as extremely painful, with the instinctive reaction to brace for impact a testament to the discomfort. Fehérváry's ranking among the NHL's elite shot blockers, currently fourth in the league, places him alongside defensemen like Marc-Édouard Vlasic, who holds the second-highest career total with 2,184 blocked shots.

  • Fehérváry set the new Slovak record for blocked shots in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.

The players

Martin Fehérváry

A Slovak defenseman for the Washington Capitals who recently set a new NHL record for the most blocked shots in a season by a Slovak player.

Andrej Sekera

The Slovak player who previously held the record for most blocked shots in a season before Fehérváry surpassed him.

Tage Thompson

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who is known for having one of the hardest shots in the NHL, frequently exceeding 90 mph.

Marc-Édouard Vlasic

A defenseman who holds the second-highest career total for blocked shots in the NHL with 2,184.

Justin Holl

A defenseman for the St. Louis Blues who has described the experience of being hit by a puck while shot blocking.

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What they’re saying

“Being hit in a muscular area, like the thigh, is preferable to a direct impact on a joint.”

— Justin Holl, Defenseman, St. Louis Blues

What’s next

As the NHL continues to see increased shooting speeds and more sophisticated offensive strategies, the demand for players willing to sacrifice their bodies through shot blocking is likely to grow. Teams may start to employ specialized 'shot-blocking specialists' who possess exceptional positioning, anticipation skills, and a high pain tolerance to enhance their defensive capabilities.

The takeaway

Fehérváry's record-breaking achievement highlights the evolving role of shot blocking in modern hockey, where data analytics and equipment innovation are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with this physically demanding defensive skill. As the NHL game continues to evolve, players like Fehérváry who are willing to put their bodies on the line will become increasingly valuable assets for their teams.