Sergei Gonchar
Sergei Gonchar is a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, he is known as an “offensive-defenseman” (in that he scores many points relative to other defenseman in the league), and can often be found playing on the power play. He has scored more goals than any defenseman in the league since 2000.[1]
NHL Career
Early Career
Gonchar spent the first couple years of his NHL career bouncing back and forth from both the Washington Capitals and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Portland Pirates. Once he settled into a steady position with the Capitals, he became known as an offensive wizard, enjoying his best statistical season in 2002-2003, with 67 points (18 goals, 49 assists).
Boston and Pittsburgh
Gonchar was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 2003-2004 season, with whom he played 15 games. After the lockout year of 2004-2005, Gonchar signed a 5 year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
International Play
During the lockout year of 2004-2005, Gonchar played with Russian team Magnitogorsk, along with future teammates Evgeni Malkin and Petr Sykora. He has won two Olympic medals with Russia and has represented his home country in several World Cup tournaments and World Championship tournaments.
| Season | GP | G | A | PIM | +/- | PPG | SHG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-1995 | 31 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995-1996 | 78 | 15 | 26 | 60 | 25 | 4 | 0 |
| 1996-1997 | 57 | 13 | 17 | 36 | -11 | 3 | 0 |
| 1997-1998 | 72 | 5 | 16 | 66 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 1998-1999 | 53 | 21 | 10 | 57 | 1 | 13 | 1 |
| 1999-2000 | 73 | 18 | 36 | 52 | 26 | 5 | 0 |
| 2000-2001 | 76 | 19 | 38 | 70 | 12 | 8 | 0 |
| 2001-2002 | 76 | 26 | 33 | 58 | -1 | 7 | 0 |
| 2002-2003 | 82 | 18 | 49 | 52 | 13 | 7 | 0 |
| 2003-2004 | 71 | 11 | 47 | 56 | -14 | 6 | 0 |
| 2005-2006 | 75 | 12 | 46 | 100 | -13 | 8 | 0 |
| 2006-2007 | 82 | 13 | 54 | 72 | -5 | 10 | 0 |
| 2007-2008 | 78 | 12 | 53 | 66 | 13 | 8 | 0 |
