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St. Louis Blues’ Scott Gomez Accepts His Role

By Andrew Martin

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Dec 19, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Scott Gomez (21) plays the puck while Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jason Garrison (5) battle during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Blues forward, Scott Gomez, has found his new role with his new team. He understands that at this stage in his NHL career, he is more of a motivator, leader, and mentor than ever.

His new team, the St. Louis Blues, have been regular season warriors as of late, but don’t know how to close out seasons in the playoffs. Perhaps with the veteran leadership of Gomez, who is also a Stanley Cup champion with his former team the New Jersey Devils.

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Gomez had to wait his turn to finally feature in a game for his new club. He suited up with the Note for the first time in the regular season last Friday in the win against the Vancouver Canucks. With injuries to veterans such as Kevin Shattenkirk, Paul Stastny, and Patrik Berglund, it’s important for the other vets on the team to step up and lead.

Gomez may have to lead from the locker room, but its still an important task for the veteran forward who is in the latter portion of his career.

Gomez told STL Today of his feeling as he begins the season.

"Nope … last year I didn’t play until December. It’s like anything, at this stage there’s only one thing you’re worried about and that’s winning. I learned that from some great vets. I guess I’m the old guy know — I can’t believe it at this age — but you’re here to help the young guys and you’re here to fill in, play anywhere they need. That’s no secret. When you get in, you get your opportunity, but the main thing is to help keep the team winning and create good habits for down the road when it’s playoff time."

The former Devil is a 2-time Stanley Cup champion, and at 35-years-old, understands his role in the NHL. This quote from Scotty Gomez is music to my ears. It’s one thing to bring in a veteran player with the hopes of his veteran ability and leadership to emanate throughout the locker room, but here he is verifying that sentiment.

Gomez is just 35-years-old, which is on the older side of NHL players, but some players don’t accept that role. They may feel they’re here to be a player to contribute on the stat sheet and everything else isn’t as important. Gomez understands the playoffs are the most important measure of success for this St. Louis Blues team that hasn’t gotten out of the first round in the last couple of playoff appearances. Most recently, the team crashed out in 6 games to the Minnesota Wild.

Scotty notched 34 points through 58 games for his old club, the New Jersey Devils last season even when he didn’t feature in a game until December of 2014.

St. Louis Blues head coach, Ken Hitchcock, also understands this role for Gomez and how he can contribute in a big way this season. Hitch told STL Today, “Even in the exhibition games, every line he was on, they were getting scoring chances every game. So we just want him to make plays. He plays a different game. It’s going to be a little bit different than we’re used to. We haven’t had a player like Scott for a long time, so I’m curious. I want to see if he can help us. If he can help us, then let’s go. We’re not married to anybody here. We’re tied into winning.”

Hitch seems cautiously optimistic that Gomez can contribute over the long haul of the NHL campaign. He understands Gomez may not have much left in his legs, and after just one appearance don’t expect Gomez to be a lock to stay on the team the entire season.

One thing is for sure, the Blues have injury concerns and Gomez can help keep this Blues team high flying. The Blues have just 1 loss through 5 games. They take on the Winnipeg Jets this afternoon north of the border.

Next: St. Louis Blues Opening High Points

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