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| Sergei GONCHAR (gohn-CHAR, SAIR-gay) |
Pittsburgh Penguins |
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Defense. Shoots left. 6'2'', 211 lbs. Born, Chelyabinsk, Russia, April 13, 1974.
Washington's 1st choice, 14th overall, in 1992 Entry Draft.
2007-08 Statistics as of Jan. 24/08: 45 GP – 8 G – 32 A – 40 Pts. – 42 PIM
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Gonchar has 144 points in 177 games since signing with the Penguins as a free agent on August 3, 2005. Only Sidney Crosby has produced more points for the Penguins since then.
Since 2000 Gonchar has been the NHL's most-prolific offensive defenseman. He leads all defensemen in goals (105) and is second in points (390) in that time.
Gonchar appeared in his first All-Star Game in 2001 for the World All-Stars. "It was fun, I really liked it. I never had an experience like this. I tried to enjoy the game as much as I can. You don't have to think about backchecking or playing the trap."
Gonchar went through one of the typical trial and tribulations of a rookie All-Star in 2001 – what to wear? He called teammate Peter Bondra, who had played in a franchise-record five all-star games – for some fashion advice. Gonchar: "I didn't know what to wear to the morning skate. So I asked Peter, 'Can I put my jeans on or do I have to do something else?' He said, 'Wear a suit.' And I said, 'Do I need a tie?' And he said, 'No tie.' So that's what I wear."
Gonchar was the first Russian defenseman to score 20 goals in one NHL season in 1998-99.
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