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One of the bigger disappointments for the Devils this season has been the play of Dainius Zubrus.

Not that expectations were overly high, but that his production (eight points in 65 games) resembles totals put up by enforcers who spend more time in the penalty box than on the ice.

That's certainly not what you'd expect from a guy whose career-worst season saw him score more goals than he has points this year.

What makes matters worse is that Zubrus has spent more time on a line with the likes of Mike Cammalleri, Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias than he has with Steve Bernier, Tuomo Ruutu, and Jacob Josefson, among others, so it's not like usage and poor linemates are bringing him down.

Zubrus is paid like a quality 3rd liner. His production matches what you'd expect from an average AHL call-up who looks like a fish out of water at the NHL level.

Since 2007, Zubrus has never posted a lower points/60 minutes of 5 vs 5 play than 1.03. This season his points/60 is .51.

That's good for last in the NHL among players with 750+ 5 vs 5 minutes. That's right, Zubrus is 207th out of 207 players who match the criteria. Some names ahead of him: Luke Glendening, Nicolas Deslauriers, and Matt Martin. Good company, huh?

Obviously Zubrus isn't the biggest reason for New Jersey's struggles - not even close - and age surely factors in, but he is part of it.

Note: numbers via Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com.

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