Jeremy Roenick doesn’t pay price enough.
In four seasons from 1989-90 through 1992-93, Jeremy Roenick had two 50-goal seasons and averaged 48 goals. In the four seasons since then, only once has the Phoenix Coyotes’ center scored more than 30. This season, he had just 20 in 70 games, putting him on pace for 23.
Question: Why isn’t Roenick a top goal-scorer anymore?
Answer: He won’t pay the price on a regular basis.
Roenick, 28, said his falling goal totals are nothing more than a sign of the times. He said there are so few scoring chances now compared to before. He said lots of of guys aren’t scoring as much.
There is truth to that.
Roenick’s 53 goals in 1991-92 would be devalued to 41 this season, based on the league-wide decrease in average goals per game. That doesn’t explain his projected total of 23 this season.
“All I know,” Roenick said, “is that I’m giving 100 per cent.”
A survey of some NHL coaches and GMs suggests Roenick’s No. 1 shortcoming is that he doesn’t play as recklessly around the net and in traffic as in the past.
He only does it occasionally, said the coach of a team that made a pitch to acquire Roenick from Phoenix at the trade deadline. The coach said J.R. can do it, but he has to be pushed.
One GM said: “Watch him. He doesn’t go to the net like he used to, he doesn’t stop at the net, he just flies by it. He plays a careless game now.”
Some believe injuries, notably those to his knees, have taken their toll on Roenick-that he has either lost a step or his willingness to put himself in danger has diminished.
But supporters note he is still capable of playing a physical game and has become well-rounded defensively; Roenick shuts down top offensive players such as Mighty Ducks of Anaheim superstar Paul Kariya.
Others say now that he’s making big money, his ego exceeds his goalscoring ability.
“I’ve heard it all,” J.R. said, “and I disagree. It’s just a different game.”
There is no more compelling question in sports, nor one left unanswered more often, than “Why?” Telling you what, when, where and who is seldom a problem. But telling you about the fifth “W” is always the greatest challenge. This week, we endeavor to give you that fifth dimension in stories on five ol the NHL’s most prominent enigmatic players: Phoenix Coyotes’ center Jeremy Roenick. Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Stephane Richer, Florida Panthers’ defenseman Ed Jovanovski, Boston Bruins’ goalie Jim Carey and Ottawa Senators’ center Radek Bonk.