Drafted by the New York Rangers in the 2005-2006 season, Blair Betts plays the 4th defensive line and is known as one of the best face-off men in the entire NHL.

The New York Post wrote that Blair Betts and his teammate, Sjostrom, could be the best penalty kill tandem in Rangers history and they had a franchise high of 87.6 percent. He has also been declared one of the most underrated players in the league.

Having played for the Calgary Flames since 1998, before joining the New York Rangers, this Canadian born ice hockey player weighs 210 pounds at 6 feet 3 inches. His pro career started in 2001 and he has been a consistent defensive center.

The New York Rangers, however, have not done so well. They are going through their highest losing streak, so it may be hard to determine where some of the praise for Blair Betts is translating into winning games for the team.

Blair Betts has been also plagued with injuries, suffering a broken orbital bone around his left eye in May, 2008, and recovering from an upper body injury in December, 2008. Prior to that injury, he had three goals and five points in 28 games this past season. In his fourth season with the New York Rangers, he has missed time with injuries to his knee, foot and face.

Of course, ice hockey in the NHL can be a rough and tumble game and many defensive players can get injured from rough play or fights on the rink. Blair Betts, at 28 years old, has been playing professionally since 2000, when he joined the AHL, Calgary Flames.

He actually began his career in 1996 playing for the Prince George Cougars in the Western Hockey League, before being drafted by the Flames in the 1998 NHL draft. Some may wonder if it is taking a toll on his health and ability to be a consistent player.

Betts scored eight goals and two assists in his first season as a Ranger and since then, he has played mostly on special teams, being widely known for his penalty killing prowess and skill in face-offs.

In his NHL career, Betts has racked up 27 goals and 18 assists, mostly while playing for the New York Rangers. The Rangers are going through tough times at the moment – and his being sidelined for injuries is probably not helping matters any. However, many believe that the Rangers have a great defensive line; but it is their offense which is not up to snuff.

A lot of fans and sportswriters alike think that the Rangers are at the bottom of the heap right now because they have lost confidence in their abilities and have failed to come together as a team. Maybe Betts’ defensive playing skills can help get the Rangers back in the game – but most think that the team’s management really bears the blame for the team’s poor performance. Blair Betts is a talented athlete who many fans believe would be better off seeking greener pastures elsewhere.