Andreas Lilja has become a good defensive partner to rookie Cam Fowler.
Fowler has some people thinking that he could be the rookie of the year this season and coach Randy Carlyle seems to think that whoever plays with the rookie ends up playing better. "Lils has played some big games for us," Carlyle said. "We've had the luxury of not having to play too many back-to-backs. I think that has an effect as well. It seems that whoever we play with Cam Fowler seems to play better. He's a benefactor of that. His penalty killing and shot blocking and overall presence on the ice and in our room has been a huge bonus. That's what a lot of people don't see. He's an energetic and vocal guy that forces people around him to play better." Lilja has some value in pools that use blocked shots.











