Ann 2RFA Watch: Josh Gorges - The Unsung Hero
May 30th 2008 23:35
Gorgeous Gorges
With the benefit of playing consecutive games, he quickly developed a chemistry with Francis Bouillon as they became a solid third defensive pairing for the Habs. Gorges' play got so much better that he played all the team's games since December 13 (62 games in total). Furthermore, when Mike Komisarek was injured in the last stretch of the season, it was Gorges who was designated to play alongside All-Star defenseman Andrei Markov – a nice evolution for a guy who spent most of the early season as an healthy scratch. He became more confident in the last quarter of the season, occasionally helping out on the attack, and actively participating in the team's offensive rushes. Furthermore, even though he is a small defenseman, Josh is not afraid to play physical or to defend his teammates. He constantly sacrifices his body if it means getting the puck out of the zone faster. The constant abuse inflicted upon him by other teams has led to the fans nicknaming him "the Pinball" (he gets hit all the time, often bouncing off the boards, yet he always gets up) while the press calls him "Mister Courage."
It's obvious now that the Rivet trade was a good one for both teams. If Gorges continues to develop as he did this season, there is no doubt that he will become a solid puck-moving defenseman. Although the Canadiens' pipeline is currently filled with defensive prospects, I hope that Gorges will be given another contract with the Habs especially if Montreal loses both Streit and Brisebois.
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