Perhaps the best pure offensive blueliner in the AHL, Bruno Gervais, the possessor of a wicked but accurate slap shot, had blasted in 17 goals by the middle of February. Nine of those tallies had come via the power play, where Gervais shines.
Two years ago, Bruno surprised the hockey world by making the NHL as an 18-year-old fresh out of junior, just like his former Acadie-Bathurst teammate, Patrice Bergeron. Not bad for a lowly sixth rounder, although injuries and limited playing time forced Gervais to head back for one final year of junior.
Still, the message was sent. The Islanders had themselves a steal.
For Gervais, the challenge has been to mesh his considerable attack skills with his defensive responsibilities, something that doesn't always come easy.
"It's a lot different game," said Gervais referring back to his freewheeling days in junior. "Because guys are really skilled. Sometimes I fall back into old habits, and take too many chances, or you (get caught) in the corner a little too quickly. Now, I'm trying to be smarter than the other guy."
The one knock on Gervais is his size, or lack of it, but quick, smart players making their way onto NHL bluelines. Gervais has plenty of those traits to make him a formidable big leaguer.
"It's all about moving the puck quickly," he said. "You've got to be aware of everything that's going on. At the pro level, you see the same guys all the time, in the AHL or the NHL. So it's being aware of your (opponents') habits. You've got to know your game, and the other guys', too."
- Dan Hickling
