I agree with the recent negativity surrounding Brian Gionta. He has certainly not produced to par. Since Jan. 1, Gionta has scored twice (none since Jan. 10). Since the beginning of the season, he has potted merely 13 goals (t-98th), 31 less than Ovechkin’s 43 league-leading tallies. You are probably thinking about what to do with Gionta. Should GM Lou Lamoriello include him in trade discussions? Bench him? Move him around the lines? I have considered these options as well.

Despite Gionta’s expensive contract (3-year 12 million), which expires after next season, I believe it’s time to say goodbye.

I do not think that Gionta will become that superstar we envisioned after watching a 24-year-old produce 6 points in the 2002-03 Stanley Cup Finals.

I do remember Gionta’s playmaking ability for the league’s shortest player (5-foot-7).

I also recall how Gionta teamed with Elias and Gomez to form the league’s most dangerous offensive unit in the second half of the 03-04 campaign.

I will not forget the NHL Lockout, which stopped the EGG Line from reuniting the following season and which unintentionally led to Elias’ bout with Hepatitis and his indefinite return to hockey.

I will always remember the night Elias returned, Jan. 3, 2006, a night in which Gionta scored two of his team-record 48 goals that season.

I will also remember Gionta’s ability to crash the net en route to his 48-goal, 41-assist campaign in 05-06.

I will remember Lou’s decision to extend Gionta’s contract for another three seasons, which, at the time, seemed like the manager’s best option.

But, I will also remember Gionta’s inability to produce after Lou signed him.

I will remember Gionta’s injury-riddled 06-07 season, in which he produced 25 goals, nearly half as many as his record year.

I will also remember Gionta’s inability to score this season (without linemate Scott Gomez).

I honestly believe that Gionta’s career year was a fluke. Many professional athletes have one or two amazing years, but, otherwise, they are merely average players. Lately, Gionta has not proven that he can handle the pressure of being on the Devils front lines. Despite being healthy, Gionta has not lived up to expectations. Certainly, I did not expect him to produce another 48-goal year, but I anticipated a 30-30, or minimally, 25-25. I cannot live with 25-20 like last year followed up with a 13-21 thus far.

It’s inexcusable.

If Gionta were playing for the last-place Kings, fans would be delighted for some kind of production. Not here in New Jersey. The demand for success is a much higher, more competitive barometer.

Rookie head Brent Sutter scolded captain Jamie Langenbrunner for inefficient and inconsistent play on the ice. Langs responded. I would like to see Sutter call out Gionta’s number, though Gionta may be a fan favorite in the Prudential Center.

After 53 games, Gionta has committed more penalty minutes (34) than points scored (32).

Although many disagree with trading Gionta since he is part of the system, I believe it is time for Lou to pick up the cell phone, before Gionta’s value drops any further.

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