Bergfors Could Sit, Martin Out Longer

Niclas Bergfors failed to pot a goal for his 14th straight game and it will “likely” send him to the press box.  Although coach Jacques Lemaire would not commit to benching the young Swedish right wing, he stayed on the ice for extra work following today’s morning skate.

Despite the slump, the 22-year-old still ties for first in rookie powerplay goals and third in rookie goals scored.  Over these last 14 games he assisted on one goal and boasts a meager minus-five rating.  Bergfors has not missed a single game this season so perhaps fatigue weighs this young devil down and a healthy scratch would help.  At this point he barely helped your team in over a month with his last goal coming on December 30th.

Bergfors still possesses a great deal of talent which is why the Devils took him with their first selection in the 2005 Entry Draft.  Production similar to teammate Patrik Elias seemed likely earlier in the season but I would liken him more to Brian Rolston, a useful secondary player.

In other news, Paul Martin may miss the Olympics.

With the festivities under three weeks away Martin seem unlikely to make it.  Martin fractured his forearm on October 24th yet GM Brian Burke still selected him over Ryan Whitney, Keith Yandle, Rob Scuderi, Keith Ballard and Tim Gleason.

The injured defenseman may get his cast off on Monday, leaving 16 days for him to begin skating and get into game shape. Not playing in the Olympics should actually help Martin recover easier.  This needed rest would give the 28-year-old a step ahead in his recovery and prepare him to step back into the top pairing role for the top team in the Atlantic.

The above reserve defensemen should be able to step in and represent Team USA admirably if Martin or Mike Komisarek cannot make it.