Random fact: Poni is mentioned on a King of Queens episode. Carrie moves to the Manhattan apartment, then takes all the furniture. Doug only has a radio and is listening to a hockey game broadcast and the PBP guy says Ponikarovsky twice
I stayed after the Tampa game for autographs and got to talk to Poni for a brief second. A friend of mine asked him if he likes NJ better than Carolina, and he tried to give one of those politically correct answers but gave up, started laughing, and just admitted that NJ is a better place.
I stayed after the Tampa game for autographs and got to talk to Poni for a brief second. A friend of mine asked him if he likes NJ better than Carolina, and he tried to give one of those politically correct answers but gave up, started laughing, and just admitted that NJ is a better place.
And he's been to Raleigh.
I'm confused... The Hurricanes play in Raleigh so of course he's been there.
I stayed after the Tampa game for autographs and got to talk to Poni for a brief second. A friend of mine asked him if he likes NJ better than Carolina, and he tried to give one of those politically correct answers but gave up, started laughing, and just admitted that NJ is a better place.
I stayed after the Tampa game for autographs and got to talk to Poni for a brief second. A friend of mine asked him if he likes NJ better than Carolina, and he tried to give one of those politically correct answers but gave up, started laughing, and just admitted that NJ is a better place.
And he's been to Raleigh.
another check on the PRO column for a Lou type of player - unwilling to outwardly disrespect former team and personnel.
I can't think of a better mid season move in years. For so cheap too. I was excited when I heard of his trade, and then saw his numbers this year, and was like meh. Think he's already matched his numbers or close to it here than with Carolina, and in less than half the time.
Can't think of a better mid season move. Langenbrunner in 02, but he was better long term than just what was left of the season when he was picked up. Possibly the best mid season pickup since Langenbrunner or Mogilny.
I can't think of a better mid season move in years. For so cheap too. I was excited when I heard of his trade, and then saw his numbers this year, and was like meh. Think he's already matched his numbers or close to it here than with Carolina, and in less than half the time.
Can't think of a better mid season move. Langenbrunner in 02, but he was better long term than just what was left of the season when he was picked up. Possibly the best mid season pickup since Langenbrunner or Mogilny.
49 GP with Carolina: 7G 8A 15P -12
16GP with NJ: 5G 6A 11P +5
He's been amazing. Perfect guy for that 3rd line LW slot.
I love the Poni acquisition (who wouldn't), and it is a tribute to GM and player. As noted by a certain poster, it was a classic "under the radar" transaction (as poposed to the splashy and often underwhelming trade that excites the Main Board crowd) that NJD has made often and successfully over the year.
And credit to the coach for putting the player in a postiion to succeed. Read: he is not a regular top six forward on a wininng team.
All that said, much as I endorse re-signing the player, I caution against rushing to do so, at any cost. Anything more than two years and a modest salary and I let him walk. For the player has been pretty much invisible for the entirety of his currrent contract save his recent weeks with NJD. To ignore such would be highly myopic and unwise.
I think everyone forgot that every team Ponikarovsky has played for has been a black hole offensively. Just look at Toronto, LA, and Carolina.
Now he gets to play for NJ, which easily has a MUCH better offense than those teams and he's playing extremely well. It doesn't take too much common sense to see why the big Ukrainian is putting up the points at a 60 point pace for the Devils.
he's been a stud 
