Eric Godard

Godard goon owners were likely disappointed by his failure to accrue triple-digit penalty minutes. Godard, who sat out Pittsburgh's 13 playoff games, finished with 76 penalty minutes in 45 games after ringing up 171 PIM in each of the previous two seasons. The addition of Arron Asham won't help Godard's playing time, though both could be used in matchups against the likes of Philadelphia.

Godard enters the 2009-10 season once again as the Penguins' designated fighter. For the second consecutive season, Godard compiled 171 penalty minutes. He averages little over three minutes per game and coach Dan Bylsma doesn't seem to feel it necessary to play him regularly, something that could impact his PIM. He was a healthy scratch throughout the Pens' Cup run, but that was to be expected with an enforcer. The team could might even consider cutting him if newly acquired Michael Rupp proves warrior ready.

Godard will live by the sword and die by the sword, earning his pay as a hired pugulist and nothing more. It will be fun to watch him square off against former Pens enforcer George Laraque whenever Pittsburgh tangles with Montreal. Godard collected a career-best 171 PIM in 2007-08.

The Flames really thought Godard would be the answer to their toughness problem last season, but he did not pan out the way they wanted him to, and he spent much of the season in Omaha. He has an outside chance of making the squad this season, but he will likely spend most of 2007-08 in the AHL.

With 115 penalty minutes in 57 games in 2005-06, Godard brings some muscle to the Flames offense. Although he does not score much and will be on the third or fourth line, he will likely find ways to make his presence known to opponents.

Godard is the muscle for the Isles; however don’t expect to see him with a regular shift. He can rack up the pims with the best of them, but sees extremely limited action due to his lack of mobility and defensive shortcomings.