Apr 26 2009
#3 - Ken Daneyko
Ken Daneyko played nearly 1300 regular season games in the National Hockey League. He scored a total of 36 goals. How does a player last 1300 games when he scores that little?
By being an indispensable defensive portion of the New Jersey Devils for his entire career.
By battling every single night, through fatigue, injuries and whatever obstacles might have been placed in his path.
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By being one of the toughest S.O.B.s to ever lace up a pair of hockey skates.
How does he become my favorite #3 of all time?
All the exact same things.
Sabres choice - James Patrick
When the Sabres acquired James Patrick, he was on the decline in his career - we was no longer the offensive force he had been in his younger days. But he brought the Sabres a steadying, veteran presence that was crucial to their success at those times - as was evidenced by the fact that he was a part-time, number 7 defenseman throughout most regular seasons…..until the stretch run and playoffs, where he became an every night player who was relied upon for his savvy play. He was tough and gritty despite not being a very physical player, and I loved watching the simplicity of his game - he may not have been flashy, but his game was a study in efficiency.
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