Oh Mr. Parise…Where Art Thou?

Hi my name is Zach Parise. I play for the New Jersey Devils. People may remember me as the kid that scored the game winning goal against Marc-Andre Fleury in the 2004 World Junior Hockey Championships. He went on to win the Stanley Cup and I am a member of the New Jersey Devils.

Though I have slumped a bit this year, I still have 43 points in 41 games. My game has come around recently and I am amongst the tops in +/- again this year with a +20. I usually wind up playing against some of the best offensive pairings because I am so fast on my feet.

Last year I had a breakout year with 94 points and a +30. Yet, I finished behind my teammate Travis Zajac in the race for the Selke Trophy (given to the league’s best defensive forward). No disrespect to Travis but could he really hold a candle to my jock? Somehow I doubt it. Now I understand the Devils are all about Martin Brodeur and everything but come on when he is long dead retired and everything, it will be all about me right?

Okay maybe I am kidding here but the lack of respect is a bit disturbing. On the bright side, I am on pace for only 16 PIMS this year, maybe I can win the Lady Byng. Oh wait my teammate Jay Pandolfo only had 8 PIMS the one year and he still lost. Nevermind on that. Hell I even lead the league in shots on goal with 186 (Ovechkin does have 180 in 34 games….rats!). Someday I will get some respect…someday.

Until then I will continue to perfect my craft on the ZZ Pop line in the hopes that I win a Stanley Cup or even an Olympic Medal for Team USA. In the meantime, I am happy that the Devils are 30-10-1 even with my struggles over the last six weeks. Just imagine when things get heated up again.