SB Nation - Brian Gionta

Fifth Straight Habs Loss Colours 2009-10 Chemistry Experiment A Bust

Robert L — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:01:43 -0000

Many valiant heroes sometimes go down with a ship.

On the 2009-10 Canadiens, there have been consistent and considerable efforts from many elements, but the sum is weaker than the whole of its parts.

There have been great individual seasons and respectable showings so far. One only has to think of the resurgent Tomas Plekanec, the beaten to death but still kicking (until Jersey) Roman Hamrlik, the captivating Mike Cammalleri, the heroic, for a spell, Brian Gionta, and the often maligned and occasionally faultering backbone that is Carey Price.

Give a good grade to Travis Moen for his gutsy play.

A "nice to finally see ya" for Andrei Kostitsyn.

A positive nod to overused warrior Glen Metropolit.

Respect for the mostly consistent Jaroslav Spacek and the dependable Josh Gorges.

Max Pacioretty is a kid that is coming around at 20, slowly but sure.

When properly employed, Hal Gill's a good guy to have around.

Sergei Kostitsyn has his moments, competes but fails to complete.

Paul Mara has delivered what was expected of him in terms of toughness.

For the rest....

On this Canadiens team, there are plenty of good intentions to go around, but it all comes back down to the weak sum of the parts.

A crooked and twisted notion, is that these Habs strike no fear. They aren't difficult to play against, as was billed and hoped. They give it their all, but cannot win many individual battles. When they attempt aggressiveness, they spend the game parading to the penalty box. On the offensive, they buzz around like mosquitos without stingers, rarely drawing blood, nevermind fouls.

They are in sum a team that can't win the puck, that can't maintain possession of it , and cannot back down opponents.

In a word....screwed!

A hockey player is alot like a child. They are gonna be what they are gonna be. When it comes to habits, traits and tendencies, it is easier to change players than it is to change a player. The most depressing note on that, is that such a cleaning of house was what got this team here in the first place.

Wanting a passive player to be more aggressive's kinda like wanting a blonde to be a brunette. A shift ot two might offer a different colour, but the roots always grow back in.

I don't want to see this team blown up for a second year running. We tried that already and it has been a giant step sideways.

Scott Gomez, the first player added to the mix, has been everything cement is supposed to be.

Cammalleri and Gionta have balls bigger than the pucks they fire, but will never be the difference makers in the trenches.

Plekanec, surely the Habs most rounded player, is a containable asset when not surrounded by players with more killer instinct.

Andrei K, playing his best hockey while the team is all achors, is the poster boy for several other enigmas on the team.

Price, with the right kind of team in front of him, has all the attributes to win and win big. On this team, in this city, his best friend will be his psychologist.

These Canadiens may work very hard, but they work badly because they haven't the required skills, the physical composition, or the mindset to sustain the type of effort required to win more games than they lose. That, and no discernable leadership, does not help.

All the individual attributes of the players add up to one very ordinary team. One many fans couldn't get excited about from the get - go.

The game of hockey will always be one of unstoppable forces versus immovable objects. It's down to speed versus size, and too much of one without enough of the other doesn't cut it.

The top teams in the NHL are always prepared to suffer in order to win. Size, and perhaps the fear of further injuries, prevents these Canadiens from becoming a top team.

The most depressing notion is that they cannot shed their shin, just as a blonde cannot ever truly become the brunette they wished they were.

Remember that old "OFF" repellent commercial, where the dude sprays his arm with the chemical and inserts it into a plexiglass box and the insects lay off?

What constructive evidence of the 2009-10 Habs testifies that they can draw blood?

Remember Bob Gainey's playing card analogy of a few years back, something to do with a hand loaded with deuces and threes making it hard to bluff, or something along those lines?

In a hockey reality of aces and kings....oh just nevermind.

The mid season point is starring this club down with more dread than hope.

A seven game road trip, on the lip of a five game losing streak, hangs like a death knell over this season.

On the road against clubs this Canadiens edition could conceivably beat - Islanders, Thrashers, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Senators, Lightning and Panthers - the Habs must win at least 6 out of 7 or its all over folks.

The Canadiens have a combined home and away record of 7-5 against these foes so far this season.

I'd love to find a positive spin to offer on the next 14 days of this Canadiens' season, but I don't believe in miracles, voodoo, ghosts, kewpie dolls, spells, magical creams, Quebec virgins, luck, Zimmerman, the return of Markov, global warming, superstition, lotions, copper bracelets, pyramids, prayer, the power of positive thinking, faith healing or hypnotism.

And I'm a fuckin' optimist!

The 2009-10 Canadiens chemistry experiment has been a bust. Would you prefer that it is admitted now, or in three years time?

It's meat, my friends. Time to stick a fork in its butt and turn it over.

Robert L note: Sorry for not bothering to post a single pic or link with this post, but I felt this one needed to be delivered in plain old black and white.

New Jersey Devils Morning News, Dec 17

TibbsBeastoftheEast — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:28:08 -0000

Union calls Devils - (The Bergen Record)
Patrick Elias' late goal lifts the Devils over Canadiens, 2-1 - (The Bergen Record)

Brodeur: Fans "got to get over" Gomez’s departure "sometime" - (Fire & Ice)
Pikkarainen savors first NHL goal in 2-1 Devils’ win over Montreal - (Fire & Ice)
Langenbrunner and Rolston named to committee to search for NHLPA’s new Executive Director - (Fire & Ice)
Live post: Devils and Canadiens tied 1-1 in third; Pikkarainen scores first NHL goal - (Fire & Ice)
Gomez still settling in with Canadiens; Coat drive Friday - (Fire & Ice)
Facing Montreal no big deal for Lemaire; Henrique, Cormier make Canadian junor team - (Fire & Ice)
Durability key to Brodeur’s big numbers; Lemaire - (Fire & Ice)
Lemaire sticking with a lineup that works; Encouraging words for Zajac - (Fire & Ice)
Devils getting ready to take on Canadiens tonight - (Fire & Ice)
NJ Devils goalie Martin Brodeur reaches another milestone - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner: We snuck away with two points - (The Star Ledger)
Scott Gomez returns to face NJ Devils as a Hab; Brian Gionta misses trip - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils sputter on power play but still manage 2-1 victory over Montreal Canadiens - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils-Montreal Canadiens: As they played - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils name the people they'd most like to meet - (The Star Ledger)
Almost 13 years ago, NJ Devils goalie Martin Brodeur got a lesson in professionalism from Jacques Lemaire - (The Star Ledger)
Goal drought isn't getting to NJ Devils winger Zach Parise - (The Star Ledger)
NJ Devils bring 2-1-0 homestand record into meeting with Montreal Canadiens - (The Star Ledger)
Elias lifts Devils past Canadiens - (The New York Daily News)
Elias beats the clock for Devils - (The New York Post)
Slow rehab major pain for Martin - (The New York Post)
Martin Brodeur ties NHL record - (The New York Post)
Watch Postgame Reaction - (Msgnetwork)
NJD Notes 12.16: Brodeur grab bag - (NewJerseyDevils.com)
NJD Notes 12.16: Parise speaks to Gionta - (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Elias' late goal lifts Devils over visiting Canadiens - (NewJerseyDevils.com)
Salvador interview on NHL Live - (NewJerseyDevils.com) ; from the homepage
NHL Standings - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils' players stats - (Yahoo NHL)
Devils Team Report - (Yahoo NHL)
Terry Sawchuk was king of Pain on ice … and in life - (Vancouver Sun)
Martin Brodeur: The way I play each game, I make it easy on myself - (SportingNews.com)
Inside the Habs' dressing room - (The Gazette)
No shutout but Brodeur beats Habs - (The Gazette)
'One mistake cost us,' Plekanec says - (Montreal Gazette)
Devils vs. Canadiens, 12/16/09 - (Interchangeable Parts)

TRENTON DEVILS
Kory Nagy Featured in Hockey's Future - (TrentonDevils.com)

AROUND THE NHL
Puck Treasures: Celebrating your Stanley Cup title in style - (Yahoo NHL)

MISCELLANEOUS
NBers suiting up for Canada at world juniors - (Riverview ThisWeek); Patrice Cormier
Physical play becoming a hit in Pittsburgh - (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review); Mike Rupp
Flint Generals Pascal Rheaume, John Mori called up to Manchester of American ... - (MLive.com)
Nets to Newark? Not So Much… - (Nets Are Scorching)
This Decade's 10 Unrepeatable Sports Accomplishments - (Blogcritics.org)
Burford's Henrique Picked For Canada's Jr. Team - (CD98.9)
Final cuts made for Canada's 2010 WJHC roster - (TSN)
Deal to move NJ Nets from Meadowlands to Newark's Prudential Center falls apart - (No Land Grab)
Did the Pens tank the '83-'84 season to get Lemieux? - (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Game Preview: Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:44:08 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

20 days ago: Buffalo Sabres left winger Thomas Vanek, of Austria, celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. Buffalo scored five goals in the third period to defeat Carolina 5-1. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Revenge is on the agenda tonight as the Buffalo Sabres look to win their fourth straight match and avenge a season opening overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Despite registering more than double the amount of shots as the Habs, 35-17, Montreal ~~earned~~ stole two points in the first meeting. Since then, it's been role reversals with the Sabres sitting one point out of the Division lead with three games in hand on the Boston Bruins and the Canadiens only five points ahead of the bottomed Toronto Maple Leafs.

Montreal has alternated wins and losses for the most part this season failing to reach any consistency. Defeat today spells four in a row in that category. In Buffalo's case, it's a fourth straight successful outing they seek in a stretch where they have connected superb offense (12 goals) with stellar goaltending/defense (three goals allowed). It'll be Ryan Miller and Jaroslav Halak backstopping their respective squads.

Five thoughts on each team below.

You name it, Ryan Miller's on top or close by. In reference to save percentage, goals against average and shutouts, the 29-year-old is setting the bar leading all netminders. His 15 wins are bested by Evgeni Nabokov and and Marc-Andre Fleury. Matt Stajan and Ron Wilson applauded his efforts in Monday's 3-0 result in Toronto.
As I said, Halak is in and he's actually won both career starts when facing Buffalo but was beaten six times in the process. Montreal's hopes rely heavily on him for the sake of a decent result because of injuries and the fact that the Sabres have their A-game going.
Henrik Tallinder notched his first goal in over a year three days ago creating a 2-0 lead and taking the life out of Toronto. Ready for another frightening fact? The last time the Swede scored twice in as many contests was May of 2006 during the playoffs. Go get em Henrik.
Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec have been the noticeable offensive producers. Besides them, nobody has 14 points although Brian Gionta likely would were he not hurt. They'll have to make their chances count because Buffalo usually out-shoots Montreal and Miller is seeing everything.
Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Jochen Hecht are riding two-game point streaks. While they aren't large streaks by any means, it seems like a new person is stepping up daily to shoulder the load. Who will it be tonight?
Former Sabre blue-liner Jaroslav Spacek has struggled with nine points on the year. I guess someone forgot to tell Bob Gainey that last season's 45 points came in a contract year.
Energetic forward Tim Kennedy is still looking for that first goal at HSBC Arena. The local 23-year-old beat Martin Brodeur for goal No.1 and the other came in Toronto. With each coming against a historic goaltender or franchise, it would be worthy of breaking that funk through Montreal.
Good news for Andrei Markov who is expected to now return at some point in January rather than February. While it won't affect the outcome of this match, the sooner the Canadiens can activate their most valuable performer, the better.
Craig Rivet may return to the line-up tonight after missing two games confirming that he's healed up. The final decision will be on Lindy Ruff whether to allow him right in or wait given how well the defense has played recently.
I still can't believe Montreal pursued Scott Gomez and his ridiculous contract. This guy has 11 points to reward Gainey for $8 million dollars worth of salary. Chalk another stupid choice up to the general manager.

Four of the last seven battles have gone to overtime so expect a tight match-up if history is any indication. By the way, Toronto shutout Montreal 3-0 the day after Buffalo did the same to the Maple Leafs. Is it our turn to be closed down completely or am I just superstitious?

Victory is Ours

Chemmy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:25:36 -0000

More photos » by Paul Chiasson - AP

Just two guys celebrating together. Nothing wrong with that.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs, who play the Habs on Tuesday, haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. - Dennis Kane

Your loser team got blown out of the building by the basement dwelling Leafs. Carey Price was outduelled by a guy who had to leave the game with a heart condition and a career AHLer. Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri couldn't get on the score sheet; Colton Orr scored a game winning goal.

Hope your 1993 VHS tape hasn't worn out yet because you're going to need it.

There were the now traditional boos reserved for former Canadiens who return to the Bell Centre. Toronto defenceman Mike Komisarek, who spurned an offer from the Canadiens and signed with the Leafs as a free agent in the off-season, was on the receiving end of these boos each time he touched the puck. So was Mikhail Grabovski, whose tenure here effectively ended when he left the Canadiens in the middle of the West Coast trip two seasons back. - Montreal Gazette

Thanks for Komisarek and Grabovski by the way.

But the former Canadiens had the last laugh as they beat the Canadiens for the first time in three tries. And that was the reason for the other boos. The Bell Centre faithful turned on their heros on several occasions. - Montreal Gazette

Their heroes? For the sake of reasonable Habs' fans everywhere I really have to say this seems out of line. Is anyone who plays on the Canadiens really someone over the age of five's hero? If my hero was Tomas Plekanec or Brian Gionta I think I'd throw myself off the Pont Victoria.

Gomez has to be the most chickenshit player I've seen round these parts since Jason Spezza. - Habs Eyes on the Prize

No disagreement here.

I heard it said on the broadcast that [Gomez is] not the same player without Brian Gionta. - Habs Eyes on the Prize

That explains his 58 point $8,000,000 campaign in 07-08 then. Honestly Scott Gomez might have the worst contract in the NHL. That Glen Sather got rid of him for an RFA and a prospect makes me think one of two things.

1. A Bob Gainey impersonator approved the trade.

2. Glen Sather is the smartest man alive.

In reality the truth is probably a mix of those two things.

Tell me why....why fuckin' what, is cement footed Kyle Chipchura doing covering the fleet as they come Phil Kessel on that goal when the Canadiens have the last change? - Habs Eyes on the Prize

How cool is it that we have a player in Kessel that opposing teams fear and respect?

Habs source confirms Chipchura to the Ducks for a 4th round pick. - @DarrenDreger

Credit where credit is due; Montreal identifies a scapegoat and runs him out of town with burning pitchforks way faster than we do.

The Leaf fans who weren’t amused about my previous post about 1967 must be chuckling with glee. I was warned that the Leafs were going to kick ass and the prophecy came true. And believe me, Toronto fans and those at Pension Plan Puppets, I give full credit to your team - Dennis Kane

Oh we're chuckling. Believe you me there's much chuckleation in the Barilkosphere today.

Gomez Plays Like A Girl, Habs Outhustled By Leafs

Robert L — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:30:33 -0000

While the Habs were busy caughing up the furball that was a 3-0 loss to the lowly Leafs, I was thankfully watching my ten year old, her sixth time on skates, run through drills with her Atom teammates.

I'd catch the game later, the late show Express on RDS.

Thank goodness for small favors!

It's a treat to watch a kid innocently playing a game, taking great pleasure in finally conquering what it takes to stickhandle a puck on snowny ice from goal line to goal line without stumbling. Robyn is a late starter to the game, unlike her 14 year old sister Crystal, who took up the game at five.

So there's memories, and then there is forgettable games.

Nothing like seeing a wobbly skater on the slowest "paint could dry" breakaway ever, coast in towards a goalie and let a shot go that skitters through the pads, look around for Dad, and not have a clue how to react. She learned that it's hard to do a thumbs up with a hockey glove on!

Little did I know that while all this hockey learning was going on, that the Habs were once again getting schooled by a hard working Leafs team.

That's one of the nice things about catching the game on RDS' abridged Express version, one doesn't have to suffer through the drawn out two and a half hours of a suckish hockey the Habs offered up on this night.

Yup, this one stunk like the Vancouver, Pittsburgh and Nashville debacles earlier in the season, and the one good thing to say it that it is hoped they got the stinker out of their system before Friday night's 100th Anniversary game.

Here's how I look at this turd of a game...

I don't care, and never will care, where the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the standings when they play the Canadiens, especially when games are in Montreal. When the Leafs meet the Habs, they always, almost without fault, bring their A game...at the very least their A effort.

So apart from guys like Price, Lapierre, Plekanec, Hamrlik, the Kostitsyns, and Gorges, guys that were around a season or more ago, none of these new kids on the block and free agent signees are indoctrinated in what one must bring to a Leafs game.

Get ready for a team that rarely quits.

Be aware that the Leafs are so pumped for the game, they might as well be the '85 Oilers.

Prepare yourself for the notion that you are in a lion's den.

Take a minute off, a small lapse, and it's roadkill for the Tazmanian Devil.

From my couch, it sure looked like guys named Gomez, Moen, Spacek, Metropolit, Mara, Pacioretty and others were atuned to this reality.

How bad was the effort?

Leafs 'tender Jonas Gustavsson left the game after the first period with heart palpitations, a reccurring problem for the Swedish goalie. Had he suffered a heart attack and croaked in the crease, it would hardly have mattered. he could have layed there dead for 40 minutes, the final would still have been 3-0 Toronto.

When the house DJ spins the Stones "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" by the third period of a game in which the Habs have yet to score, it's gotten personal!

This Canadiens team had been better than this of late, but of the many traits it possesses, killer instinct ain't one of 'em.

It started off good, a Cammalleri chance close in, then a decent power play with a shot or two threatening to put the Habs up. But as is often the case, it was all rubber bullets from there on in.

Perimeter shots, feable attempts just hitting the net, players seemingly afraid to pay the price against a Leafs team that honours that credo.

While the Canadiens did seem to have some semblance of momentum for a mere eight minutes, it all went to hell on a rare as Popeshit goal from none other than reputable sniper Colton Orr.

Tell me why....why fuckin' what, is cement footed Kyle Chipchura doing covering the fleet as they come Phil Kessel on that goal when the Canadiens have the last change?

Another mystery, a riddle really, is why Habs fans waste so much spit getting on Mike Komisarek's case for the umpteenth time when they have Scott Gomez to bare the brunt of their pent up venom.

I mean, we Andrei "Big Tits", Sergei "Little Tits".....and now "Useless Tit".

No mincing, Gomez has to be the most chickenshit player I've seen round these parts since Jason Spezza.

I heard it said on the broadcast that he's not the same player without Brian Gionta.

Boo, f'ing Hoo!

It takes testicles that's it!

Kessel's got one and he uses it. What'll it take for Gomez to get his rolling.

Other than winning one puck battle behind the net, I failed to catch a proper glimpse of Gomez doing anything that took guts.

Yeah he skates all pretty and often untouched through the neutral zone, but then he gets inside the blue line and throws off lame 45 foot wristers that goalies can stop in their sleep.

Gomez takes the easy way out too often. He doesn't defy, challenge, bare down, get dirty, deke, outmuscle or bust through. He just wings it, hoping.

Unless there is a teammate bullying his way into the crease, that effort is useless.

Unless you're the reincarnation of Stephane Richer, why bother.

That's why Gomez is an overpaid 15 goal scorer, and by what I've seen the past five games, the Canadiens are a harder team to play against when he's not in the lineup.

Bottom line, and I love womens' hockey, but Gomez is playing like a girl.

No offense to mine.

Can The Canadiens Win The Northeast Division?

Robert L — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:27:12 -0000

A simple question for a Monday morning.

Can the Canadiens win the Northeast Division?

One quarter of the way into the 2009-10 season, it appears that no team at present is poised to run off with the Northeast Division title. As the current standings show, the top four teams are separated by a mere five points, and it gives credence to the notion that if one club were to get hot at this time, they could conceivably eclipse the other three.

As it stands, the Bruins lead the pack with 31 points, followed by the Sabres and Senators with 30. The Canadiens are 4 points back of Buffalo and Ottawa, and 5 back of the Bruins. A busy December schedule that sees them play 17 games in 31 days is a crucial month of the season. When the New Year dawns, the Habs will be sitting just past the mid-season point, with 43 games played.

It is not certain when key players such as Andrei Markov, Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez and Andrei Kostitsyn will make their return to the lineup, but with Markov beginning ti skate again and strong showings from the team in recent games, an air of hoprfulness has returned to Montreal. The play of youngsters such a Max Pacioretty and a rejuvenated Sergei Kostitsyn also serves to bolster the Canadiens' chances.

A look at an uninjured Canadiens roster speaks well for the team's potential:

Forwards

A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Cammalleri

Gionta - Gomez - S. Kostitsyn

Pacioretty - Metropolit - Moen

White - Lapierre - Pyatt

(D' Agostini - Pouliot - Laraque)

Defense

Markov - Mara

Hamrlik - Spacek

Gorges - Bergeron

(Gill - O' Byrne)

Goal

Price - Halak

December's schedule begins Tuesday with a home date against the Toronto Maple Leafs and features six other games against Northeast Division rivals. Six of the first ten games, between December 1 and 17 are at home, while the following seven, during a 12 day trip are on the road. The Canadiens play back to back games twice, playing the Wild in Minnesota following a home date with the New Jersey Devils on December 16. The round out the calendar year in the state of Florida, with games against the Lightning on succesive nights.

Poll

How many points out of a possible 34 will the Canadiens take during the month of December?

28 - 34?

17 votes

22 - 27?

140 votes

15 - 21?

128 votes

10 - 14?

31 votes

316 votes | Poll has closed

The New Jersey Devils All-Decade Second Team

John Fischer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:15:09 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Zach Parise has much to be happy about. We think he's worthy to be named on the Devils' All-Decade Second Team. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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This season marks the end of a decade. It was a successful decade for the New Jersey Devils. They opened it up with a Stanley Cup, earned a second one in 2003, and they have put together a combined record of 462-247-62-31-18 for 1035 points not including this short season so far. From the 1999-2000 season through the 2008-0 season, the team has won 56.34% of all their games and taken 63.11% of all potential points. We have seen two numbers retired in Scott Stevens' #4 and Ken Daneyko's #3. We have seen franchise records broken such as Patrik Elias' 96 point season in 2000-01 and has led the franchise in points last season; Brian Gionta's 48 goals in 2005-06; and Martin Brodeur's taking over the NHL career win record in 2009. The team has even changed to a new home. The Devils have got out of the swamps at the Meadowlands and has moved into a fantastic new arena in Newark, the Prudential Center.

It's been a big decade.

While this season will fall under this realm, Steve Lepore, Thibaut "Tibbs" Deshayes, and myself felt it was a good idea to determine who were the best Devils in the 2000s. Steve initially came up with the topic, we agreed it was worth thinking about, and so we all named first and second teams. Eventually, we came up with two teams we could agree upon as who stood out the most in Devils' red. If you've been following the team for much of the last decade, then may not surprise you too much; but figuring out who is worthy and at what level is certainly worth discussing (as well as who didn't make it).

Today, I give you who we named as the New Jersey Devils' All-Decade Second Team. Three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie were named as players who stood out but not necessarily standing out on their own. We didn't just consider the talent of the player, but also what they have accomplished as a Devil - for themselves and the team. Every player on both teams has put in at least four seasons with the Devils. I've written a blurb for each player. I've also included their regular season and playoff stats from this decade; do note that for current players, I've included their current numbers.

Tomorrow, I will post the First Team - the top Devils of the past decade. Read on for the Second Team.

Left Wing - Zach Parise (2005-06 - Current)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Zach Parise	347	135	145	280	54	111	37	2	29	1105	12.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Zach Parise	32	12	12	24	1	14	4	0	2	115	10.4

You may be asking, John, he's great, but he's only 25 - what is he doing here? I respond with, why not? Drafted in 2003, Parise was one of the most tantalizing prospects the Devils have ever drafted. The Devils traded up in that draft to get him, surprised that he was available after the 16th overall pick. Since being drafted, he was a First Team All-American at North Dakota and was MVP of the 2004 World Juniors Tournament. No other prospect in this decade has accomplished as much as Parise.

While his rookie year in 2005-06 didn't turn the hockey world upside down, you could see his potential in flashes. He exploded onto the NHL scene soon afterwards. In 2006-07, Parise showed off the depths of his offensive talented and doubled his rookie point total - 31 to 62. 2007-08 saw more of the same, but he led the team in scoring. In retrospect, it should be seen as a passing of the torch from Elias to Parise as the Devils' top forward. The 2008-09 season was a revelation as Parise challenged both Elias' team record for most points in a single season and Brian Gionta's team record for most goals in a season. While Parise came up short against both, the 45 goal, 94 point season made everyone in the hockey world stand up and take notice. The Devils have a new ultra-talented left winger, and to think, he's not even in his prime.

Already he's becoming more of a cornerstone for the post-lockout Devils, being named an alternate captain to the team and with hints of being the future captain. The best is yet to come, but Parise has already made his mark within the past decade.

Center - John Madden (1999-2000 - 2008-09)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - John Madden	708	140	156	296	37	193	6	17	19	1529	9.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - John Madden	112	20	21	41	3	24	2	4	4	289	10.4

John Madden wasn't drafted. In retrospect, you have to wonder why. He went to Michigan late and developed into a potent scorer. The Devils eventually signed him as an amateur free agent, leaving him to develop in Albany. What a find he became! Madden became a great scorer in 1998-99, putting up 38 goals and 60 assists in 75 games. Yet, when looking to make the Devils, it was advised that he try a checking center role.

That would be some of the best advice Madden ever took.

Madden became a regular center in 1999-2000 on the fourth line, potting 16 goals from a largely defensive role. Madden remained as a bottom six forward, eventually taking over the third line spot once Bobby Holik moved up (and later moved to the Rangers). While Madden would never consistently show offensive talent, he has his moments - namely a 6 goal, 10 assist effort in the 2003 postseason. More consistently and importantly, he was a consistent pain for the opposition. He, along with his usual partner, left winger Jay Pandolfo, would just hound opposition forwards all night long. For example, just look what he did to Mario Lemieux in Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001. He made stops, got under Mario's skin, took two slashes, and drew a cross-checking call.

His defensive play was recognized with being awarded the Frank J Selke trophy in 2001 and was a finalist for the best defensive forward award three times afterwards in 2003, 2004, and 2008. His heart, work ethic, and dogged marking of opposing players earned him the nickname "Mad Dog." He signed with Chicago in the past offseason, but he will always be respected and appreciated by the Devils faithful for his contributions to the team.

Right Wing - Brian Gionta (2001-02 - 2008-09)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Brian Gionta	473	152	160	312	62	227	48	5	30	1351	11.2
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Brian Gionta	67	19	21	40	4	18	5	2	5	187	10.2

Gionta is small. Exactly listed as 5'7", 170 lbs. small, but he had heart like the late Andre the Giant. He played big. Gionta was shifty, but he was more than willing to go to the front of the crease, take the punishment from bigger defensemen and forwards, and keep coming back for more. He represents yet another example of the Devils organization recognizing talent over a measurable like size.

After an excellent college career at Boston College, it didn't take long for Gionta to break into the NHL. He only spent 37 games with Albany before being called up for 33 games with the Devils in 2001-02. Gionta was decent, showing flashes of his offensive potential in the following two seasons; but he didn't break out. 21 goals in 75 games in 03-04 was good; but the effect is a bit diminished when you consider he only had 29 points that season. His peak came in the season immediately after the lockout. He eventually became the team's top right winger, playing along side Scott Gomez, and looking like he was developing into a good scorer. A bright spot in what was looking like a dismal season. Then Elias came back and when placed with Gomez and Gionta, it was then-perfect match-up. Gionta eventually broke out and took the franchise records for most power play goals in a season (24) and most goals in a single season with 48. He wasn't just on fire, he was an inferno. Many wondered what would Gionta do to follow that up.

Unfortunately, Gionta's production dropped off since then; but he still contributed with at least 20 goals in each of the next 3 seasons, while increasing his assists in those same three seasons (20, 31, 40). Not great, but more than acceptable as a secondary scorer. He was a player that the opposition still had to respect and while the total amount of goals dropped; he developed his playmaking skills and occasionally scored goals like he did in 2005-06. Gionta is no longer a Devil, but his magical 2005-06 season and the way he always played much bigger than his actual size will be remembered for years to come.

Left Defense - Scott Stevens (1999-2000 - 2003-04)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2005-Current) - Scott Stevens	360	25	84	109	106	281	4	1	7	606	4.1
Playoffs (2006-Current) - Scott Stevens	78	7	21	28	31	61	1	0	1	103	6.8

While Scott Stevens' minutes and production declined in the twilight of his career, Stevens' defensive work, his strength, and leadership never did. While he only played four seasons in the 2000s, he remained an important cornerstone to the team. And his post-hockey life has been filled with honors later in the decade.

He was still top defender in 1999-2000, especially in that post season. In the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Conn Smythe didn't go to Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, or Martin Brodeur - it went to Stevens. He was all over the place, wrecking forwards, clearing creases, and even put up 3 goals and 8 assists. He followed that up with a strong 2000-01 season. That was his best offensive season since 1993-94 and led the Devils all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. From that season on, the next three saw fewer points; but Stevens was still a strong defensive defenseman, able to punish any forward with a massive hit or close them off from making an offensive play. He led the Devils in 2002-03 to the team's third Stanley Cup before a final injury-shortened swan song in 2003-04.

Since retiring after that season, Scott Stevens has had his #4 retired in 2006, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2007, and is currently being groomed within the organization as a coach. He is still having an impact on the newer defensemen, surely advising, motivating, and inspiring them - if not the whole team. For many, Scott Stevens represents the best of the New Jersey Devils, the best player to ever put on the jersey. That opinion may change in due time; but regardless of that, his accomplishments in this decade deserve inclusion among the best Devils defensemen in this same time frame.

Right Defense - Paul Martin (2003-04 - Current)

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	SOG	PCT
Season (2003-Current) - Paul Martin	387	24	130	154	46	112	10	0	5	472	5.1
Playoffs (2004-Current) - Paul Martin	37	2	14	16	-10	18	2	0	2	43	4.7

Much like Zach Parise is now the current offensive leader of the team, Paul Martin has rose in the ranks in this decade to become the team's top defenseman. He's a two-way defender like Brian Rafalski. He's not as prolific on offense, he's not particularly physical, and he's still getting used to leading breakouts this season. Yet, Martin's defensive awareness and positioning warrants respect. He's certainly getting it throughout the league, as teams get to see him plenty in all situations. Martin's average ice team per season through this season has increased from 20:07 (03-04) to first-pairing minutes right after the lockout with averages of 23:37, 25:14, 23:53, 24:22, 23:57 per game.

At 28, Martin has already established himself as the top defenseman on the Devils and he will only get better on the blueline as a veteran. Sure, Colin White has been a Devil for much longer and has enjoyed more success than Martin. Yet, Martin has been the relied on much more than White on average for a reason. He's just an intelligent defender who has led the Devils' blueline since the departure of Brian Rafalski - something Colin White has not done (which is fine, as he's really a #3). No, he's not a true #1 stud defender like Stevens or Scott Niedermayer, but he can play in all situations and take big minutes against the best opposing forwards night after night. After last season, he is no longer a hidden gem in the NHL and the best is yet to come. Hopefully, he'll continue making an impact in New Jersey.

Goaltender - Scott Clemmensen (2001-2007, 2008-2009)

	GP	W	L	T	OT	SO	GA	SA	SV%	GAA	MIN
Season (2001-2009) - Scott Clemmensen	65	32	19	0	5	4	150	1666	.909	2.54	3547
Playoffs (2006) - Scott Clemmensen	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1.000	0.00	7

Of all the backup goaltenders to Martin Brodeur, the only one who got more than just a few games was Scott Clemmensen. When Martin Brodeur suffered a torn bicep to his left arm in 2008-09, Devils fans were worried. Rightfully concerned of what will happen to the team without Martin Brodeur for 3-4 months. Could Kevin Weekes or Scott Clemmensen step up? Ultimately, Clemmensen proved to be the better candidate and head coach Brent Sutter went with the Iowa-born netminder as the main replacement for Brodeur. Clemmensen played in 40 games, earned a record of 25-13-1 with a G.A.A. of 2.39, a save percentage of 91.7%, and two shutouts. It would be the best performance by a Devils goaltender not named Brodeur in this entire decade while helping the Devils earn the franchise record of wins in a single season. There can be no other choice than Scott Clemmensen for this position.

And there you have it. The New Jersey Devils All-Decade Second Team:

Zach Parise - John Madden - Brian Gionta

Scott Stevens-Paul Martin

Scott Clemmensen

Thank you for reading. Feel free to discuss any of the players in the comments. Perhaps you would have liked to have seen someone else. Maybe you want to add your own thoughts about any one of these players. If you don't feel like waiting until tomorrow, you can even speculate on who we named to the First Team.

New Jersey Devils Departures and Replacements at the Quarterpoint

John Fischer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:51:44 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

How does Niclas Bergfors, the rookie scoring winger for the Devils, compare to Brian Gionta, who was the team's second line right winger last season? (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Browse more photos »

In this past offseason, the New Jersey Devils have lost some significant players to free agency. Here's a list of the notable departed players from last season:

John Madden signed with Chicago
Brian Gionta signed with Montreal
Scott Clemmensen signed with Florida
Mike Rupp signed with Pittsburgh
Bobby Holik retired

To replace those spots, the Devils gave Nicklas Bergfors a real shot to make the team as a scoring winger and has stayed up ever since. Also, after training camp, the Devils assigned Rod Pelley to center the fourth line as Bobby Holik did for much of 2008-09. With respect to the other three spots the Devils signed Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Andrew Peters, and Ilkka Pikkarainen as "tough" wingers; signed Rob Niedermayer to play center on the fourth line; and signed Yann Danis as a backup goaltender.

A reader suggested that I compare how these players are doing with respect to how the departed players are doing at the quarterpoint mark of the season. A quick comparison of stats via NHL.com follows after the jump.

Second Line Right Wing - The Departed: Brian Gionta

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Brian Gionta	19	8	5	13	3	8	2	0	1	20:53	65	12.3

The Replacement: Nicklas Bergfors

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Nicklas Bergfors	21	5	9	14	0	6	3	0	2	15:23	55	9.1

Now, Gionta broke his foot; but prior to that he was enjoying his hockey with Montreal. He's been scoring goals and playing on Montreal's top line. Only injury has really slowed down Gionta so far this season. Who actually is playing right wing on the second line is debatable as Jacques Lemaire switches his lines from game to game, often within the game. Based on his role as a scoring winger, I feel Bergfors would be the appropriate choice as his replacement. While the rookie doesn't have as many goals, he's got one more point than Gionta with less average time per game, and he has shown a good tendency to shoot. Of course, Bergfors should remain more productive just because he's healthy; but I feel he needs work with his consistency. After putting up 5 points in 2 games, he only has 2 shots on net in his last 4 games. He can't dip into spells like that, not as an offensive winger. But so far, so good.

As an additional note, David Clarkson potting in 7 goals (3 PPG) and 8 assists is a significant amount of production in Gionta's departure not necessarily being a big deal. Since Clarkson's role changes along with where he's moved to in the lineup (e.g. more physical on a fourth line, more defensive on a third line), that's even more impressive than Bergfors' start as a rookie.

Third Line Center - The Departed: John Madden

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - John Madden	21	4	4	8	-1	10	0	0	0	16:47	36	11.1

The Replacement: Rob Niedermayer

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Rob Niedermayer	13	2	5	7	3	4	0	0	0	17:38	19	10.5

Madden has been playing his brand of defensive hockey for the benefit of Chicago. Rob Niedermayer was a late signing in preseason, but has been a mainstay on the Devils' third line until he got injured. Niedermayer has fit in well and even provided some early production as a nice bonus. Niedermayer was actually used more often than Madden has been in Chicago; but Madden has the advantage in shots against differential per 60 minutes in even strength situations over Niedermayer according to the numbers at Behind the Net. Had Niedermayer not get hurt earlier this month, the comparison would be more meaningful. As of now, it's Tim Sestito holding the role and there really isn't much of a comparison there. But when Niedermayer does get healthy, he'll retake his spot as the third line center.

Fourth Line Winger - The Departed: Mike Rupp

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Michael Rupp	23	4	2	6	2	29	0	0	0	9:05	25	16.0

The Replacements: Andrew Peters, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Ilkka Pikkarainen

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Andrew Peters	13	0	0	0	-4	18	0	0	0	5:49	10	0.0

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond	7	0	0	0	-3	0	0	0	0	5:16	2	0.0

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Ilkka Pikkarainen	13	0	1	1	-3	6	0	0	0	8:17	7	0.0

Yeah, this isn't really close. Rupp has been very useful in his limited role with Pittsburgh and has gotten more ice time on average than any of these three players. Whereas these three Devils wingers are incredibly limited and haven't contributed much of anything this season. Even in hits, Rupp has 53 - which is 5 more than these three Devils combined (Peters has 17, Pikkarainen has 17, and Leblond has 14). Granted, the position isn't crucial for success; so it's not like the Devils are sorely missing Rupp. Yet, you want a contribution from all your lines and the fourth line hasn't done much of that for New Jersey.

Fourth Line Center - The Departed: Bobby Holik

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2008 - Bobby Holik	62	4	5	9	-2	66	0	0	1	10:11	79	5.1

The Replacement: Rod Pelley

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	ATOI	SOG	PCT
2009 - Rod Pelley	20	0	2	2	-6	11	0	0	0	7:11	18	0.0

Since Holik is retired, I'm using his numbers from last season for comparison. And it's not really that bad. Holik didn't contribute much outside of getting limited action per game, throwing a couple hits, winning faceoffs, and contributing a little production. I have no issue with Pelley's offense, but if he got minutes similar to Holik's then it should improve slightly. Pelley does have one big advantage over Holik. Pelley's not likely going to get benched in the second half of the season for getting aggressive and taking really dumb calls regularly. Then again, Lemaire hasn't shown much faith in the fourth line as seen by their average ice time, so it may be a moot point. So far, Pelley has done OK in that spot.

Backup Goaltender - The Departed: Scott Clemmensen

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Scott Clemmensen	5	247	3	1			17	4.13	139	122	.878	0

The Replacement: Yann Danis

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2009 - Yann Danis	3	140	2	0			5	2.14	65	60	.923	0

Scott Clemmensen has had a rough time in Florida as Tomas Vokoun's backup. He's been shelled for goals and not inspiring any confidence in his team. A big contrast to how he played in relief of Martin Brodeur when Brodeur was injured. Danis has been earning the confidence of the Devils' coaching staff however. They gave him two starts in back-to-back situations and was given the start in Dallas on Saturday after two losses. Sure, Danis was pulled in that Dallas game, but he had no real chance at the goals and I doubt he'll be placed in exile for it. While he hasn't played as much as Clemmensen, Danis has the better numbers and will likely continue getting a few more games here and there in New Jersey. Best of luck to Clemmensen in turning it around in Florida.

Looking just at the numbers, it's clear to me that the Devils have done an adequate job in filling in these larger holes in the roster. Granted, if Gionta wasn't injured, then it may be a different story. But we can only compare what has been done and honestly, the only real big gap is at fourth line winger as Rupp's job has not really been replaced. You can argue that third line center is an issue now with Rob Niedermayer injured and leaving Tim Sestito - an AHL callup - to take over with spot duty (though the job may be Dean McAmmond's now).

Perhaps this is to be expected. After all, despite going winless in their last three games, the Devils are still 14-5-1 and only a point outside of the Atlantic Division lead. From that alone, one could say the Devils have not been rocked too hard by the losses of these players. However, it is heartening to see that some of the replacements for their positions are generally doing as well as the departed players for the most part. Hopefully, this continues for the rest of the season.

Feel free to disagree or agree with how I'm looking at the departed and replacement players. Are you happy with the replacement players who aren't fourth line wingers? Do you wish any of those departed players didn't leave New Jersey as they did over the summer? Do you have a better way of comparing these players, or a different perspective? Please let everyone know what you think in the comments.

Habs vs Former Habs at the Quarter Point

Robert L — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:24 -0000

I haven't taken a look at this since the 10 game mark (October 27), but it seems that the former Habs players are now gaining a slight edge on their current counterparts.

At the quarter season point, it is still too soon to draw much of a conclusion, especially considering how unstable the Canadiens' lineup is these days

Most of the players on both sides have kept up their early season pace going, with exceptions being Tanguay, Lang and Koivu, who have picked it up for the former Habs and Marc-Andre Bergeron, who now leads all Canadiens' D in scoring. Tailing off somewhat, are the Bruins' Michael Ryder and Steve Begin.

Most notable among these statistics may just be the save percentages - added to this list for the first time here. I chose to include them for obvious reasons, that being the Canadiens duos numbers as compared to the former netminders now tending goal for stronger clubs.

The Habs much maligned duo of Halak and Price take a beating a little too often, but as it appears here, they could just as well be the team's saving grace.

*Players below are ranking by points and not in comparison.

Jaroslav Halak 8-5-3-0 2.62-9.04 / Jose Theodore 13-5-3-4 3.24-8.83 (Capitals)

Carey Price 13-5-8-0 2.99-9.06 / Cristobal Huet 15-9-4-1 2.25-9.02 (Blackhawks)

Marc-Andre Bergeron 14-3-4-7 / 21-4-7-11 Mark Streit (Islanders)

Roman Hamrlik 20-4-2-6 / 19-0-8-8 Craig Rivet (Sabres)

Jaroslav Spacek 21-1-5-6 / 19-2-5-7 Francois Beauchemin (Maple Leafs)

Paul Mara 21-0-6-6 / 15-2-4-6 Ron Hainsey (Thrashers)

Josh Gorges 11-1-1-2 / 6-0-2-2 Sheldon Souray (Oilers)

Hal Gill 14-1-0-1 / 16-0-0-0 Mike Komisarek (Maple Leafs)

Totals - Defense　

Habs: Total GP: 101 / Goals: 10 /Assists: 18 / Points: 28

Former Habs: Total GP: 96 / Goals: 8 / Assists: 26 / Points: 34

Tomas Plekanec 21-4-15-19 / 20-6-10-16 Mike Ribeiro (Stars)

Mike Cammalleri 21-8-8-16 / 19-3-9-12 Mikhail Grabovski (Maple Leafs)

Brian Gionta 19-8-5-13 / 18-4-8-12 Alex Tanguay (Lightning)

Scott Gomez 21-2-9-11 / 20-5-6-11 Robert Lang (Coyotes)

Glen Metropolit 15-4-6-10 / 18-4-6-10 Alex Kovalev (Senators)

Travis Moen 21-4-3-7 / 20-2-7-9 Steve Begin (Bruins)

Andrei Kostitsyn 21-2-4-6 / 15-2-6-8 Saku Koivu (Ducks)

Maxim Lapierre 21-1-4-5 / 20-4-3-7 Michael Ryder (Bruins)

Max Pacioretty 21-2-2-4 / 20-2-5-7 Sergei Samsonov (Hurricanes)

Guillaume Latendresse 21-2-1-3 / 14-3-2-5 Arron Asham (Flyers)

Georges Laraque 8-0-1-1 / 20-2-3-5 Christopher Higgins (Rangers)

Matt D'Agostini 11-1-0-1 / 20-1-0-1 Tom Kostopoulos (Hurricanes)

Totals - Forwards　

Habs: Total GP: 221 / Goals: 38 /Assists: 58 / Points: 96

Former Habs: Total GP: 224 / Goals: 38 / Assists: 64 / Points: 102

Totals - Team

Habs: Total GP: 322 / Goals: 48 /Assists: 76 / Points: 124

Former Habs: Total GP: 320 / Goals: 46 / Assists: 90 / Points: 136

Incidentally, I'm not much of a video gamer when it comes to such things as NHL 2010 or EA Sports and stuff. (I used to joke that X-Box sounded like a former girlfriend!) A reader of this site has been looking into aligning the teams above against one another for a series of games. That sounded like an interesting offer, and I took him up on it. Once the results come forth, you'll read about it here.

Habs Top Line, All Rubber Bullets

Robert L — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:32:42 -0000

Apart from Brian Gionta, the Habs top line can't fight it's way in close. It's no surprise the lone goal came off Gionta's stick.

The skills of Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri do not dictate the job description of crashing the D to gain the crease. It's not entirely a size thing, but some size on that line would not hurt it. Cammalleri is an opportunist is the slot - that's his game. Gomez is the feeder, a total perimeter player if there ever was one. An anti - Koivu who rarely gets his nose dirty.

GOMER CAN'T PILE

I've noticed something about Gomez of late, and I hate it.

Watch him without the puck sometimes. He skates with his stick in both hands, not one. The stick is parallel to the ice, waist high, and not touching the surface. It reeks of hockey parlance for "don't pass me the puck".

Watch Gomez on a break, he'll pass it off and curl away, coiling towards his blueline. He has a decent shot and some great moves. He should bare down after passing off, and break for the net. He doesn't, and it's starting to gnaw at me.

I don't like perimeter centers. Don't like Thornton, don't like Spezza.

You know what I miss about Saku Koivu? The way he went to the net without exception, always taking a player with him and freeing up his trailer. He'd take the defender right to the back board and work that area. How often did you see Koivu score from anywhere further than a 15 foot radius of the net.

I'll say it again. Gomez passes off and coils. Andrei Markov's return will only give Gomez a head of steam before he gets ten feet inside the line and coils.

WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE

A number one line should have three requisit elements:

A sniper who can fight off checks as he cruises into the slot to pounce on scoring chances.

A winger who can cycle and dig till daylight ends, wearing down the opposing defender.

A center who not only can dish and deke, but is quick enough and properly positioned to win loose pucks and maintain possession.

Of these three, one must have the physical presence to cause havoc at the lip of the crease.

Now Cammalleri, given the time and space, is killer, but his best scoring chances vanish rapidly as he is easily nudged off the puck. How many times have you seen his opportunities disappear almost as quickly as they came. Wind up and blow a tire. He cannot be what he is not, which is a power forward.

In Gionta's case, he may be relentless, but he'll scare no one in attempting to body a player off the puck. He has to rely on his savvy and cunning, which are second to none. He's a pest in all the good ways, but against any top pairing D in the league, he'll not bang and bruise too many.

Gomez is all set up, but often waits to pass until he has to, and not while he has options. He's hesitant one on one, as he seldom puts himself in that position. His decisions often eliminate his options. In battling behind the net, he lacks that savvy and cunning instinct that would win him battles. Worst of all, he lacks any semblance of killer instinct.

The line in sum is all flash and little completion. It's perfectly suited for four on four overtime and shootouts, and that's hardly a compliment.

Against the Lightning, this trio had 17 shots on goals, another nine went wide or were blocked. The line eats up minutes as all players passed 20 on this night.

The Canadiens are bemoaning a lack of secondary scoring, yet they have this "all eggs in one basket" line.

They get a dozen and more great scoring chances per game, but finishing is an issue. They do all this razzle dazzle at blinding light speed, like a bunch of Russ Courtnall's on anoverdose of Prozak.

The line gives the appearance that it is working out, but its conversion rate on chances tells another story.

Apart from Brian Gionta, the Habs top line can't fight it's way in close. It's no surprise the lone goal came off Gionta's stick.