LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 27: Center Jason Allison #41 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks during the game on December 27, 2001 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Kings tied the Ducks 2-2. (Photo by Kellie Landis/Getty Images/NHLI).
This week we look at #41-50 in our all-time jersey number list. In this group, we have players who are underappreciated for the jobs they did and players who were effective but flew under the radar. The role player was often thought of as a player taking up a roster spot but now is considered essential for producing a winning club.
None of the players listed below are in the top 100 players of all time but spent their careers doing what they love. A few of these players are still around the game today as a scout or analysts, but there are two current players on this list, one that could be skating around center ice soon.
The physical side of hockey is once again on display but these players were some of the most effective players without being offensively productive. They got the least amount of minutes but made the most of those minutes to set a tone.
These players do not need to be the highest-paid, nor do they need to be recognized. They need to be appreciated for the roles they played, and some played bigger roles than others. The hardest role on a hockey team is your 4th line players or bottom pairing defensemen. Those players have the most important job to be successful with the least amount of opportunity. Only 3 Stanley Cups are represented in this list and 2 are from one player.
The grouping is not always going to be all-stars and Stanley Cup winners. Some players just go out there and do their jobs, regardless of their pay, accolades, or awards. These players had, or are having, very good careers that should not be overlooked. Let us take a look at #’s 41-50.
Allison was overshadowed by many Hall of Famers who also played during this time, however, he was just as productive. He had a pinpoint accurate shot and had patience with the puck. He would wait for the perfect opportunity to pass the puck, waiting out both the goaltender and the defense. He was all class, a leader, and player teammates could look up to.
Allison never had flashy moves but you always knew when he was on the ice because he would constantly make plays. Defenses paid close attention to where he was because he was dangerous in all three zones. For his production, he was a legit center with all of the skills to be successful.
Stock was a battler and a warrior. He was full of energy but not that big in size. Stock was never going to score 50 goals but he made up for it by fighting guys twice his size night after night. The grit he showed throughout his career earned him respect because he did not back down from anyone.
He was a legit tough guy, regardless of size. He played by the rules, now slew footing, no cheap shots, just a straight-up tough guy.
#43 Patrice Brisebois played for the Montreal Canadians and the Colorado Avalanche. He scored 98 goals and 322 assists for 420 points in 1,099 games over an 18-year career. He was part of the 1993 Canadians Stanley Cup team.
An offensive threat from the back end Brisebois was a warrior in the defensive zone. Although not the biggest and most physical he still made the opposition pay. He had a nice, smooth outlet pass for the forwards to create rushes. His shot was nothing special but it was accurate and perfect for tips, with the occasional one beating the goaltender.
Brisebois also had a knack for playing aggressive defense. Blocking shots, closing the gaps, using his body to knock opponents off the puck, and moving players out of the crease is what he was the best at. Not a Hall of Famer but he was good every year he played.
#44 Dave Babych played for the Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings. HIs 19-yea career saw Babych play 1,195 games, registering 142 goals and 581 assists for 723 points.
Babych scored his only hat trick in a win against the Calgary Flames on November 22, 1991. He also appeared in 2 all-star games.
Babych was tough, plain and simple. He would use a face wash, cross-check, or a slash behind the kneecaps to let you know he was there. He did not cross the line when he played but he welcomed all challengers when it came to dropping the gloves.
Bernier was a solid goaltender throughout his career. Whether it was starter or backup he kept his teams in most games. Good positionally and never quit on a play. While playing for the Red Wings they were outshot and outplayed most nights but Bernier stood tall and showed he still had some game left. A true professional that never got full credit for keeping teams he played for in the game when it was close.
A good middle-six player Aberg plays a solid 200-foot game. Nothing special about his game but he plays hard and finishes his checks. Aggressive in all three zones and uses his body to take away scoring chances by blocking shots and getting in passing lanes.
Aberg has the ability to take a game over, by either using his speed to create chances or skating back and playing defense. His character comes into play in close games, where he seems to play his best. Aberg is still young enough to be an impact player but is showcasing his skills to put the league on notice.
#47 Rich Pilon played for the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues. He played 631 games, with 8 goals and 68 assists for 77 points and 1,745 penalty minutes.
Another tough customer, Pilon played hockey two ways, defensive and physical. He was not the most imposing player but you knew when he was on the ice. Pilon would do anything to get you off of your game. Pilon was intense and would talk the entire game. For a smaller defenseman, he could fight with the best of them
Pilon never refused a challenge, regardless of the size of the other player. He was challenged on the ice because of his compete level and his aggressive play. Pilon never was one to back down from protecting his teammates and putting his body on the line every night.
Briere had a career 14.1 shooting %. He also produced 4 hat tricks and competed in 2 all-star games, all while playing a 200-foot game.
An offensive player who flew under the radar Briere offensively produced everywhere he played. He would play a regular shift, power play, and some penalty kill. Briere was a creative player, always looking for the open teammate instead of shooting the puck. He retired on August 17, 2015.
Playing second fiddle to star defenseman Cale Makar is not easy but Girard has carved his own place on this Avalanche team. An offensive defenseman, Girard has great speed and good hockey instincts. He can play on any pairing and play on any special teams. Underrated, he contributes at both ends of the ice and is making a name for himself in the league.
Girard makes up for his lack of size by using his speed and stick to disrupt the play in the defensive zone. He plays aggressively but will not rack up a lot of penalty minutes. Girard is often a second-pairing defenseman but often plays like a top-pairing defenseman. Great hockey sense and ability to play against bigger opposition.
#50 Corey Crawford played 488 games for the Chicago Blackhawks, going 260-162-53. He has 9 career points, played in 2 all-star games, and won the Jennings Trophy in 2012/13 and again in 2014/15, not to mention he also has 2 Stanley Cups.
Crawford retired because he felt like his heart was not in it anymore but he gave plenty when he played. Backstopped the Blackhawks for much success in a time when there was much competitiveness in the league. He played a conservative and technical style and that was enough to give the Blackhawks organization 2 Cups along the way. He retired on January 9, 2021.
