The Puck Stops Here

I like to keep track of the player that I think is player playing the worst in the NHL who holds down a regular job. A couple weeks ago, I picked Craig Adams of the Carolina Hurricanes as that player. He is typical for a player who "earns" this honor in that he is a hard working energy player who is not one of the more highly skilled players in the NHL. He is atypical because Adams has been an NHL regular for several years and was a useful player throughout most of his past. Adams started a hot streak almost immediately after I singled him out. He scored three points in three games beyond that point. He also served a two game suspension for a high stick on Alex Steen of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Adams has had an eventful couple of weeks since I picked him as the worst player in the NHL. His successes clearly make him no longer a good choice.

My newest selection is Colton Orr of the New York Rangers. Orr is a goon who plays some rather soft minutes for the Rangers. He only averages 7:22 of ice time per game, but nevertheless the Rangers have played him in all 36 games so far. For that ice time, Orr has contributed one goal and no assists. He is -11, which is the worst on the Rangers. His only significant number is 60 penalty minutes, which leads the Rangers. Is there really a need for such a player in the NHL? He contributes little except for fights - and isn't even in the argument to be the best fighter in the NHL today - yet he is dressed every game.