Mark Moore's Blog: What do the final four have in common?

Both R.J. Umberger and Mike Richards have played a big role in Philadelphia's success this season. (Photo By Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Mark Moore
2008-05-13 10:41:09

From 30 self-proclaimed contenders in September, we’re down to the Final Four.

We’ve reached the official point where the few teams still playing have earned the credit of all those that are not.

General managers, media members and fans will now all start analyzing the survivors’ reasons for success.

At first glance, it may look tough to identify a common thread running through the Penguins, Flyers, Red Wings and Stars.

The Pens are a young, skilled team built for offense. The Stars are a versatile, veteran squad, equal parts intensity and discipline. Opportunism is the key word defining the Flyers, while the Red Wings prefer domination of both puck possession and shots.

What is the one thing these four teams have in common? Development.

The Penguins’ key players are virtually all homegrown. Sure, finishing in the league cellar for several years allowed them to draft some pretty hot prospects. But let’s not forget, can’t-miss prospects sometimes do (See: Daigle, Alexandre).

Besides, without diminishing the brilliance of Sidney Crosby, the playoffs have been as much about the Fleury-and-Malkin show. Marc-Andre Fleury, who had his struggles well into his pro career, is second in the playoffs in save percentage. And Evgeni Malkin, who looked great in his first game in the NHL, is looking more and more like his magnificent owner everyday.

I recall how a youngster named Jaromir Jagr  – once followed a similar trajectory under Big Mario’s observance, as well.

As for the Flyers, look no further than Martin Biron, who was brought on a year ago as a project from a Sabres team that had apparently given up on him. Young players such as Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, R.J. Umberger, Randy Jones and Braydon Coburn have developed dramatically in one year’s time.

They are now the core of a resurgent Flyers team that is solid and tough to beat. And Danny Briere is one of those players countless people would have said is too small to survive in the NHL.

During my playing career, I skated with Briere in the summer. His commitment to developing himself as a player was total; it is no surprise to me he has not only survived but become a star. And a bigger and bigger star each year.

The Stars are another team big on development. As young prospects, my brother Steve and I attended a development camp in Finland for Dallas prospects. One of those prospects was Brenden Morrow, the Stars’ most critical skater now.

Much of the supporting cast, as well as goaltending standout Marty Turco, are players who were not drafted high, but who have developed into important contributors.

Mike Ribeiro’s defensive play wasn’t good enough to satisfy the Habs, but he has shored it up enough to become a key member of this Dallas squad.

Last, but not least, are the Red Wings. Finishing first every year does not make for great draft position. And despite being in Motown, the Wings are not “wheelers and dealers.”

They just consistently develop their prospects into not just regulars, but world-class players. Pavel Datsyuk was picked in the sixth round, 171st overall; Henrik Zetterberg in the seventh round, 210th overall. Would you have guessed perennial Norris Trophy candidate Nick Lidstrom was no lottery pick, but a third round draft choice? And then there’s players such as Chris Osgood and Mikael Samuelsson, who had fallen out of the NHL, but in the Red Wings system have become exceptional performers.

So there’s one thing the other 26 teams can take solace in now: Since they’re no longer playing, they can get a head start on summer development work with their prospects.

Ditto for players from those teams, who can use the summer to raise their personal game.

If there’s one thing this year’s playoffs show, it’s that development pays big dividends.

Mark Moore is a former pro hockey player with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Mark had to retire due to injury in 2002 and is now Director of Player Development for Ivy Hockey Academy in Toronto. Mark is the older brother of former Colorado Avalanche player Steve Moore and current Toronto Maple Leafs player Dominic Moore.