3 NHL players who surprisingly thrived after the 2005 lockout

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 29: Jaromir Jagr #68 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates during warm ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on December 29, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Flyers won 4-2. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH – APRIL 30: Sergei Gonchar #55 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 30, 2010 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Sergei Gonchar

Former NHL defenseman Sergei Gonchar first laced up the skates with the Washington Capitals back in 1994-95 and shined for the next decade on the Capitals’ blue line.

The Russian native proved that he was one of the best offensive-minded defenseman of his era with Gonchar’s wicked shot and ability to produce on the power play.

After the 2005 lockout, Gonchar’s career resumed with the rebuilding Pittsburgh Penguins. It seemed that the then 29-year-old was past his prime and joined Sidney Crosby and the Pens because most teams probably thought he no longer offered the same value.

That wasn’t the case considering the 1992 first-round draft pick recorded 50 or more points in his first three seasons with the Penguins and also helped Pittsburgh win a Stanley Cup championship in 2008-09.

It seemed that Gonchar not only provided value with his play in the Steel City but his veteran presence was appreciated by a rebuilding and youthful Pittsburgh squad. Just when fans thought the skater’s NHL career was finally finished after winning his first Stanley Cup, Gonchar’s playing days continued.

Gonchar skated with the likes of the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens from 2010-11 through the 2014-15 season. While one of hockey’s most dynamic skaters from the 1990s and 2000s was no longer a 40-point defenseman, Gonchar still proved he entailed value as a veteran and depth defenseman with all three teams.

What’s also interesting is that he still averaged notable ice-time during his final NHL season with the Habs, after recording 18:00 TOI in the Original Six hockey city.

While the memorable blueliner won’t end up in the Hockey Hall of Fame, it’s safe to say that most fans expected Gonchar’s career to fizzle out immediately after the NHL lockout like most star-caliber skaters from his original playing days experienced.

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