Andy Greene Is The Devils’ Unsung Hero

Nov 12, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) celebrates with New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) after defeating the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Devils beat the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After being on their heels for most of the second period in last night’s game against the New York Rangers, The Devils dug deep and managed the first goal of the game. Ryan Carter somehow got the puck threw Henrik Lundqvist.

The play how ever was started by Andy Greene, from a great play to keep the puck in the attacking zone. He then found a cutting Carter on route to his 5th assist of the season.

Andy is an above average puck mover, but his game is way more than that. While playing on the Devils’ top pair, he also is a main stay

Apr 15, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) reacts against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New Jersey 2-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

on the power play and penalty kill. Also is a locker room leader, as shown with being one of the two players invited to the Stadium Series press conferences, and the NHL media player tour.

When you watch the games, one player who doesn’t stand out is Andy Greene, but in the best way possible. As a defenseman sometimes the best thing to do is not stand out, because like a video editor, when continuity is perfect…it isn’t noticed.

His positioning is on point about 90 percent of the time, and he plays calm enough to make an exit pass or just clear the zone. While he is not in the realm of a Shea Weber, Kris Letang, or P.K Subban, Greene quietly goes about his business playing a very sound game.

It’s not flashing or pretty. It doesn’t even come with much fan fare, like a Jagr, or Brodeur. It seems to be the Devils’ way to just pack your lunch and go to work. That’s exactly what Greene does on a nightly basis.

Even through the tough start of the year Greene was always consistently solid in all three zones. Now that the team seemingly has turned the corner you can see Greene start to get comfortable.

Every game you’ll see that Greene does not hesitate to block a shot that could cause injury, or take a big hit to make an exit pass, as he did multiple times in last night’s contest.

With multiple injuries to the stay at home defenseman on the team in Bryce Salvador, and as of last night, Anton Volchencov, Greene becomes even more valuable.

Now Andy will get to show the hockey world what he really can do. With an expected groin injury to Volchencov that’s going to sideline him, Greene will have to step into the stay at home role on the team. Expect it to be Andy Greene to lead the team in ice time during that time without Volchencov or Salvador.

Oct 29, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) plays the puck while being defended by Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie (76) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Some casual NHL fans might not even know the name or face of Andy Greene. Make no mistake though, Andy Greene is in the upper tier of defenseman in the league.

At an annual cap hit of just 3 million, which fans were surprised that he received that much in free agency for being an undrafted, and under sized defensman from the University of Miami(OH). Fans were saying he got paid too much money, for what he brought at the time.

General Managers around the league saw the potential and offered him more money. But in the Andy Greene way he took a pay cut to sign with New Jersey to be a part of a winning organization.

Now the same fans who weren’t in favor of giving him that type of money, love him on that deal. He is signed for next year as well.

You could make a case that Andy Greene is in the top-10 biggest bargains in the NHL.