NHL: The Best Player at Every Number, #41-50

#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.