Patrik Elias quietly setting records in New Jersey

Tim Kolupanowich
December 8, 2011

Poor Patrik Elias. He had one of the most important games of his career, and in Devils history on March 17, 2009 when he passed John MacLean’s franchise scoring mark when he recorded his 702nd career point by setting up a Brian Gionta short-handed goal 16:56 into the second period. But hardly anyone noticed. He can thank teammate Martin Brodeur for that, as he was hogging all the spotlight by breaking Patrick Roy’s all-time wins record. But in all honesty, it’s highly unlikely the quiet star really minded.

“I was at that game against Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day a couple of years ago, so it seemed appropriate in multiple ways,” said Steve Lepore, managing editor of Puck the Media. “None of us were really even thinking about that record before it happened that night. It was all about Marty.”

That’s life for the 35-year-old native of Trebic, Czech Rep. Drafted by the Devils 51st overall in the 1994 draft, he has often been overlooked and underrated. Bigger names, louder personalities and a franchise known for it’s defensive scheme more than anything else will do that, but that is not to say playing for the Devils has hurt him in any way.

“I imagine it put a damper on his numbers,” said Greg Wyshynski, editor of the Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo! Sports. “But it’s hard to say he was hurt by playing with the Devils when you consider the numbers he’s posted and the fact he had two rings.”

His quiet but steady play has endeared him to Devils fans and he has been a favorite for over a decade now. His contributions to the team are easy to overlook from an outsider’s perspective, but the fans appreciate them.

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“The fans made sure to recognize Elias when he broke (MacLean’s point) record,” said Lepore.

There is another record about to fall soon, as Elias is now four goals away from passing MacLean again. When he nets career goal number 348 – a mark he should reach in the near future – he’ll finally have the spotlight to himself for once.

And it will be about time for a player that has to be considered one of the single most important offensive players to any one franchise. His credentials speak for themselves as he has two Stanley Cups, an Olympic bronze medal, was a first-team all-rookie in 1997-98, a first-team all-star in 2000-01 and was a three-time participant in the All-Star Game. Barring injury, he will play his 1,000th game with the Devils in early January.

Since the 1999-2000 season, he has lead the Devils in scoring seven times, tied with Mats Sundin and Shane Doan for second behind Jarome Iginla (10) for the most times leading a single team in scoring over that span, including six out of seven seasons from then until 2006-07.

The only reason he didn’t make it seven in a row was because of a bout with Hepatitis C that limited him to 45 points in only 38 games in 2005-06. Had he played a full season at that pace he would have recorded 97 points and led the team again.

The team treated him very well until he was able to come back from his illness and he still remembers the support.

“He always talks about how Lou Lamoriello and the organization were so supportive of him during his bout with Hepatitis C,” Lepore said.

And he has done it all with different linemates or a different coach seemingly every year. With so many constant changes, including moving to center from the left wing, he has had to learn to adapt quickly to a new situation in order to be so consistently good.

“I think it’s a tribute to his versatility as a forward,” said Wyshynski. “He can find chemistry with a variety of players and his transition to the center slot in recent years has shown he can adapt well.”

He is also just as capable in his own end as he is putting the puck in the net as shown by the fact he has only recorded a negative plus-minus rating in a full season once.

“It’s hard to argue [Elias is] not a top-five player for the Devils, once you get past Marty and the Scotts [Stevens and Niedermayer],” Wyshynski said.

Lepore agrees. “I’m sure #26 will be hanging from the rafters in Newark one day,” he said.

That gesture would make him the first player to be recognized with that honor by the franchise for his offensive contributions to the team. Elias will definitely be regarded as one of the best Devils ever, no question, but like a lot of other players there is the question of whether very good is good enough for a Hall of Fame induction.

Neither Wyshynski nor Lepore believe Elias will make the cut, but there is an interesting point to consider. He started off the season with 816 career points meaning he only has to average 47 points in the next four seasons to reach 1,000. Thirty-four players have recorded 1,000 points with one franchise and all but one, Dave Taylor of the Los Angeles Kings, is in the Hall of Fame.

Reaching that milestone in a Devils uniform, combined with his other accomplishments in New Jersey just may maybe enough to make voters think he has the qualifications.

“I think that’s just wishful thinking to be honest. I’d love to see it happen though,” Lepore said.

That may be true, but guys with fewer credentials have been inducted before. But one thing is certain; Elias is far and away the best offensive player the team has ever seen.

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The Author:

Tim Kolupanowich