msweet Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2 Saturday, September 29, 2007 By TOM GULITTI STAFF WRITER Brent Sutter isn't sure yet which Devil should be his captain, so he's taking his time picking one. The Devils' coach hasn't been around this team long enough to determine that Patrik Elias isn't the right guy for the job anyway -- even with Elias' struggles while wearing the 'C' last season. And maybe Sutter will just go with three alternates and leave the captaincy vacant. If he does decide to select a new captain, however, he should look no further than Jay Pandolfo. There is no player more respected in the Devils' locker room. Two seasons in a row, Pandolfo's teammates voted him their Players' Player and Unsung Hero. So, he clearly would be a popular choice. This isn't a popularity contest, but the reasons why he is well liked by his teammates are the reasons why he would be an excellent pick to be their captain. His unsurpassed work ethic is something a former hard-working player such as Sutter can appreciate and hold up as an example. A day off is unheard of for Pandolfo, who has played in 283 consecutive regular-season games -- the fourth-longest streak in team history. And that doesn't count the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, in which he played with a broken thumb. Pandolfo was a big goal scorer at Boston University, but didn't have the skills to be one in the NHL, so he adapted his game and became one of the league's best defensive forwards and helped the Devils win two Cups. It wasn't until last season, however, that he finally received the recognition he deserved when he was a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the first time in his career. Not that Pandolfo seeks recognition. When asked about the captaincy, he humbly declined to comment. Although he can be quiet, there is no question he is a leader on this team. Much like Scott Stevens, he leads by example. And when Pandolfo does say something, the players listen. It was well deserved when he was named an alternate captain last season. Now, he deserves a promotion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HellOnICE Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 I'd be very happy if Pando was our Captain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belizarius Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 That would be a good choice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundstrom Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 not often discussed as a candidate here, but would be a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevestevens Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 I think Pandolfo isnt the best chice for captian. Especially because he might be playing 4th line. Its either Elias or Madden for me, i think the C should be on one of the top lines and despite Madden being on the 3rd he works with it as he kills penalties. I like Pandolfo beign C but not if hes playing 4th line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elias2600 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 if sutter plans to roll 4 lines, then being on the fourth line doesnt mean getting minutes like cam got last year, it would be more, but we'll see. I dont think pando would be a bad choice, but we will have to see who steps up for it. corrente anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilswede Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 Would be a great choice, definitely. He's got my vote... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elias2600 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 I dont think we have the squad to role lines like buffalo did last year, but not playing like last season (4th line gets maybe 4 mins) will balance things out. I'm glad Julien is gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puckrock Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 There's a poll floating around here somewhere, in which I voted Pando for captain. He's my number one choice. He leads by example, and his work ethic is the best on the team. (Maybe 2nd to Brodeur.) I would be extremely happy if he was given the 'C'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elias2600 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 no doubt he should at least be an alternate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brodeurrocks Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 Pandolfo is no better or worse a candidate for the"C" than any other option right now, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil Fan Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 He's a safe choice, but I don't put him in the Stevens' caliber that guided the team to the cup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'7' Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 It's not really important who's captain, a long as it's not Elias. That C is an anchor on him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zachattack9 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 I think Pando would be a good choice. He is a veteran guy that everyone seems to respect and listen too. Also i do not think being captain would have a negative impact on his play. To bad goalies can not be captain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msweet Posted September 30, 2007 Author Share Posted September 30, 2007 Pando's a UFA at the end of this year... if we think that should affect the "C" position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDevs26 Posted September 30, 2007 Share Posted September 30, 2007 This is a non-story, this is just an editorial endorsing Pando for captain. No evidence whatsoever he's even being considered for the position. I like the guy but he's almost as quiet as a mouse. Then again so is most of the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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