Behind Enemy Lines: Drew Doughty on Nathan Beaulieu

Despite engaging in some heated battles on the ice, opposing NHL players often forge enduring friendships away from the rink. We thought it might be interesting, then, to do some reconnaissance in the visitors' dressing room to get an occasional take on a Canadiens player from a friendly foe on another club. Today: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty on his summer training partner, Nathan Beaulieu.

How long have you known Nathan? You guys have been skating together in the summer in London for a few years now, right?DREW DOUGHTY:We've known each other for about three or four years. We actually live pretty close to each other in London. I skate with him all summer long. He's got a lot of skills - he's very highly skilled actually. He's a good player, he sees the ice well, he's got good hands, he's got a good shot, and he's also a good guy, too.
What was your first impression of Nate?DD:My first impression was that he has a lot of skills and that he'll become a very good defenseman in the League and that if he can put it all together, he'll become a top defenseman at some point in his life. I think he started putting it all together and he'll learn a lot from Shea Weber.

Did you guys ever hang out away from the rink? What did you guys do?DD: Besides being at the rink, we'll play some golf once in a while. I don't even know who won the majority of our games. I think we're pretty similar. I had a bad summer, he might be better than me now.
He's a few years younger than you - has he asked for much advice?DD: He doesn't ask too much, but if he ever needed anything, I would help him out for sure. I learned some stuff from him, too. Like I said, some of the skills he pulls off are pretty good. There have been a few times when we were on the same team in the summer and he started making some plays that I wasn't expecting him do because they were so hard to make.
He's said in the past that he's trying to model his play on the ice after your game. Is that flattering or does it make you feel older than your 26 years?DD:(laughs) It's cool to hear that. When someone models their game after you, it makes you feel special, especially when it's a really good player who already plays in the NHL at a young age. I had a few idols myself like Rob Blake. I had the opportunity to play against him and now he's the assistant GM of our team. Nicklas Lidstrom was the other guy that I looked up to and I got the chance to play against him as well. Hearing that doesn't make me feel old, but it does feel good.
Speaking of asking for advice, would you consider him a little bit like your apprentice? Like you're his Mr. Miyagi?DD: (laughs) I don't know if would say that. We play similar games, he can play the same style as me.

You're both known for your skating ability. If the two of you raced, who would win?DD:Oh, I actually think he might win. His first couple steps are actually a little quicker than mine. If there would be a few laps, maybe I would have him, but I think goal line to goal line he would win.
And in arm wrestling?DD:(laughs) Probably him. My arms are pretty small. I wouldn't be winning a whole lot of arm wrestling matches, for sure.
We saw that you follow him on Twitter. What did you think of his decision to change his Twitter handle from @N8THEggr8 to simply @natebeaulieu a few years ago?DD: I never noticed that before. That's funny. I'm sure the guys gave it to him and that's why he had to change it. But I kind of like the "N8THEggr8" one. It's cooler than just @natebeaulieu.
He's been paired with Shea Weber on the blue line at times this season. You've played with and had success with Shea yourself. How do you think Shea can influence Nathan's game?DD:I think they would be perfect with each other. Nate actually plays a similar game to Roman Josi, who Shea played with in Nashville. They obviously played together for a long time and they were of one the best defensive pairings in the League. I think Nate could do the same thing with Shea.
Shea's a pretty tough dude. Any advice for Nate on how to stay on his good side? DD: I've never seen Shea's bad side off the ice, only on the ice. (laughs) I think Nate knows what to do to avoid that.