Will Patrik Elias make good on his PPG assertion in today's NY Post?
For those that missed the column, Patrik Elias called last season a big "learning experience" along with restating that he vastly prefers to play wing over center, although he'll gladly play wherever the team needs him most.
"I'm not saying I didn't play well, but center is tough, especially in the defensive zone," Elias said. "I'd say that 80 percent of the time, it's the centerman who's down low on defense.
Quote:
"I know I can get a point a game," said Elias, now 27 and in his prime. "I'm confident. I believe in myself and what I'm capable of."
We already know what we are going to get from Elias. He will make nice plays and finish with reasonable consistancy. But he is not a dominant player. When his linemates are functioning properly (feeding him the puck and finishing his plays) Elias is almost unstoppable. So if guys like Rafalski and Gomez can put the puck on Elias stick, and guys like Marshall and Rupp can open up the ice and not **** up his passes, he will get 80 points easily. If not, we are looking at another 60 point season, but we should be okay in the standings reguardless.
Last season, Elias was just off his game. There were many nights where he'd do everything right except get that puck into the net. From what I remember, a lot of the time, he was trying to hard and/or his confidence was disrupted (which led to some pretty bad games by Elias). But if he's feeling good about it now, he has his confidence, I don't see why he can't get close to a PPG.
Now PPG or better? I'm not so sure...he'll have to have one really good year. Not too many people can do that, much less on NJ. But he's done it before...
Currently sitting at 37 goals and 78 points with a home-and-home vs. Boston remaining. Not too shabby!
I wonder who is carrying that line. Is that line good because Gomez is on fire or is that line good because Elias is on fire. Is Gionta the last peice that puts that line togather.
To answer the question, no he does not. Patrik Elias does not make good on his promise to score a point-a-game. The Devils leading scorer finished the 2003-04 regular season with 81 PTS in 82 GP.
I don't think it is a big deal. He is an excellent player and still had a remarkable year. I was annoyed earlier in the year when I heard Devils fans speaking unkindly about Elais. He is one of the greatest arguments for hockey players playing soccer in their youth. He moves the puck up the ice with the best of them in the NHL.
When Elias, Gomez, Niedermayer and Rafalski are on the ice in 4-on-4 situations, it is terrific to watch. They move around like the great Soviet teams of the 80's. That was a great use for a second round draft pick.
When Elias, Gomez, Niedermayer and Rafalski are on the ice in 4-on-4 situations, it is terrific to watch. They move around like the great Soviet teams of the 80's. That was a great use for a second round draft pick.
This year is the first time I didn't dread the Devils going in to OT. A nice change of pace.
To answer the question, no he does not. Patrik Elias does not make good on his promise to score a point-a-game. The Devils leading scorer finished the 2003-04 regular season with 81 PTS in 82 GP.
Seriously. Get him out of here. Personally, I think Friesen could score like Elias if he played with Gomez . . . and was a heck of a lot better hockey player.
Seriously. Get him out of here. Personally, I think Friesen could score like Elias if he played with Gomez . . . and was a heck of a lot better hockey player.
I don't think he's got Elias-scoring in him, but I do think that he should be a consistent 25 goal scorer year in and year out. That he doesn't put it together is one of my biggest frustrations with the team.
