"Granted," says Falkowski, "Henrich wasn't a Hall of Famer and didn't hit .300 for his career, but he was known as 'Ol' Reliable because -- more often than not -- he would find a way to beat the opposition.
"So, here's Travis Zajac, the Devils' version of 'Ol' Reliable.' He's not a Hall of Famer; he's never scored 30 goals in a season, but over his long career in New Jersey, he's found a lot of ways to beat opposing teams.
"It could be a big goal, a tough defensive assignment or a big face-off late in the game. I remember one in 2018 that preserved a 2-1 Devils win over Toronto and clinched the team's first playoff spot in forever."
When teamed with Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner, Zajac proved that he had a scorer's touch, breaking the 20-goal plateau twice.
A frequent visitor to the Devils clubhouse when he worked for News-12 New Jersey, Falkowski had the pleasant experience of dealing with Travis.
Falkowski: "He always has been polite and cooperative. It didn't matter whether it was after a big win or a tough loss; he was the same good guy."
Having watched Zajac in action from Travis' rookie year to the present, George admits to a "favorite memory." It's linked to the above-mentioned Maple Leafs fame.
"I go back to the moments after that playoff-clinching win over Toronto," George recalls. "Travis and Devils' graybeard Andy Greene met during an on-ice celebration and gave each other a bear hug.
"They were the only remaining connection to the team's last Stanley Cup Final in 2012. Now Travis is the only thread to an era when playoffs weren't a goal but a regular spring occurrence."
Then, a pause: "Ol' Reliable indeed!
