BOSTON — It’s hard to believe that less than a year ago, Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic was a healthy scratch.
The big winger has done all he can to put that difficult, lockout-shortened season in the past with what has been a tremendous season. That impressive campaign continued Saturday afternoon when Lucic scored a goal and added two assists as the Bruins extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden.
Lucic now has himself a four-game point streak with two goals and four assists in that span while putting up 6-10-16 totals in his last 14 games. Alongside David Krejci and Jarome Iginla, the Boston top line has turned into one of the league’s best. That trio — which combined for three of the Bruins’ five goals Saturday — may be the league’s best right now.
Not only have Lucic’s numbers been better this season, but he’s been much more physical involved. That was on display Saturday as he registered a game-high five hits, thanks to four hits in a tone-setting first period. Lucic then used his size and strength to generate offense. He muscled up to win a puck battle against Jay Harrison behind the Carolina goal, then grabbed the puck and skated behind the net before feeding Iginla for a second-period goal.
“I think it’s been an important part of our game during this eight-game win streak is getting that physical play back up and getting in the other team’s face and that’s always been a big part of our team’s success and again we need to keep that up moving forward,” Lucic said.
Lucic is at his best when he’s moving his feet and playing physical. He’s done that all season long, and the results certainly speak for themselves when it comes to the winger’s hard work. Lucic’s hard work is being complemented by those around him. That line has been absolutely fantastic for the Bruins lately, and it’s no secret the team has won eight straight in the process. The Boston first line now has an astounding 47 points in its last 14 games.
“I think we’re doing a good job supporting each other and using our strength and our speed,” Lucic said. “You know when we get forechecking, it tends to turn pucks over and get some zone time where we’re able to create some chances and also it just feels like everything is clicking for our line right now. It’s a good feeling that we have right now, we’ve got to keep pushing and keep wanting more.”
That should be a scary thought for anyone who has to try and slow Lucic and his line right now.
