This year has been a complete turnaround for the Bruins’ left winger, as he is just two goals away from surpassing his career best in a single season, having already tallied 15 goals in just 28 games played.
It doesn’t seem like Lucic is slowing down, either. The forward netted two more goals in the Bruins’ home matchup with the Islanders last Thursday, giving him five goals over the last six games played. Lucic is on pace to notch 44 goals this season, but the question remains, can he reach the 40-goal plateau?
The numbers say that he can. The Vancouver native has been riding his hot start well into December, and he ranks ninth overall in the league in goals scored. It doesn’t hurt that he’s playing on a line with the Bruins second- and third-ranked scorers in David Krejci and Nathan Horton. Combining efforts with a prolific playmaker and a sniper who attracts a lot of extra attention in the attacking zone has clearly had a positive influence on Lucic’s stat line.
He’s also been healthy, which is another major factor in reaching such a mark. He is one of 12 Bruins to have suited up in all 28 contests and has been able to evade the flu bug that has been floating around the Ristuccia and TD Garden locker rooms.
The 40-goal plateau has been a rarity in Boston’s North End as of late. Since 2000, only Glen Murray (44 in 2002-03) and Bill Guerin (41 in 2001-02) have reached the mark in a B’s sweater. Phil Kessel fell four tallies shy in the 2008-09 season when he netted 36 goals in 70 games played.
Lucic seems to have found his scoring touch this season, but could he revert back to the more physical style of play he’s grown accustomed to in past years? If he goes a few games without scoring, the frustrations may bubble up and that could happen naturally.
What do you think? Will Milan Lucic reach the 40-goal plateau this season? Share your thoughts below.
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Will Milan Lucic reach the 40-goal plateau this season?online survey
