Gormley: Chorney one of Caps' best 'under the radar' signings

Former Fighting Sioux defenseman Taylor Chorney has found a niche' in Washington. Chorney is playing former Fighting Sioux All-American T.J. Oshie in the nation's capital.

Chuck Gormley, CSN Atlantic--- Quietly effective: Through 36 games Caps defenseman Taylor Chorney has five assists and ranks tied for third on the team with a plus-14 rating while averaging 13:17 of ice time.

“He’s one of those real good signings for us this year,” Caps coach Barry Trotz said. “He’s under the radar. (His free-agent signing) was a footnote for a lot of people in this area.

“He’s come in and filled a really good role, can play both sides on the back end and he’s been solid. Todd (Reirden) has done a good job with all our defensemen and I’m real happy with Taylor. There are certain guys everybody sort of cheers for and he’s one of them.”

Currently, the Capitals are the best team in the NHL with a 38-8-3 record and 73 points. The closest team to the Capitals are the Western Division leading Chicago Blackhawks who have 68 points.