How much will the Penguins miss Ryan Whitney as he recuperates from his foot injury? You be the judge. Take a look at the top point totals by defensemen the past two seasons:
| Player, Team(s) |
Games
Played |
Goals |
Assists |
Points |
| 1. Sergei Gonchar, Penguins |
160 |
25 |
107 |
132 |
| 2. Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings |
156 |
23 |
109 |
132 |
| 3. Tomas Kaberle, Maple Leafs |
156 |
19 |
92 |
111 |
| 4. Dion Phaneuf, Flames |
161 |
34 |
76 |
110 |
| 6. Brian Rafalski, Devils/Red Wings |
155 |
21 |
89 |
110 |
| 6. Brian Campbell, Sabres/Sharks |
165 |
14 |
96 |
110 |
| 7. Andre Markov, Canadiens |
159 |
22 |
85 |
107 |
| 8. Chris Pronger, Ducks |
138 |
25 |
77 |
102 |
| 9. Lubomir Visnovsky, Kings |
151 |
26 |
73 |
99 |
9. Ryan Whitney, Penguins
|
157 |
26 |
73 |
99 |
| 11. Kimmo Timonen, Predators/Flyers |
160 |
21 |
78 |
99 |
Not bad company when you consider the likes of Zdeno Chara, Ed Jovanovski and Jay Bouwmeester aren't on the list.
Whitney's defense is inconsistent to be kind. His presence in front of his net can be downright atrocious on far too many occasions (possibly due to his foot ailment). Those aspects of his game won't be missed.
But his offense won't be replaced easily. Especially when you consider the totals he's racked up being the team's No. 2 defenseman primarily the past two seasons.
(Photo: Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS
Penguins
-The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will announce their new assistant coach and third jersey today.
-The Penguins re-signed Wheeling Nailers goaltender Curtis Darling and signed goaltender Adam Berkhoel.
-A look at the Penguins' organizational depth chart.
Atlantic Division
-The agent for former Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin denied a report his client is interested in the Rangers.
Northeast Division
-The Sabres will unveil a third jersey Oct. 20.
Southeast Division
-By the sounds of things, Hurricanes forward Chad LaRose would be the Pirates' second best pitcher at least.
Central Division
-The Blues are interested in bringing back former forward Brendan Shanahan.
-Predators forward Alexander Radulov wants the NHL to quit "robbing" Russia.
Northwest Division
-The Wild is doing what it can to hang on to Marian Gaborik.
-Oilers forward Jarret Stoll is living the good life.
Pacific Division
-The Coyotes re-signed forward Joel Perrault to a two-year deal.
Adams Division
-A team-by-team look at each franchise's national television appearances next season.
Posted
Aug 18 2008, 04:32 AM
by
Seth Rorabaugh