(Photo: S. Babineau) Bruins forward No. 17 Milan Lucic

Throughout the offseason, Bruins Daily will be posting daily report cards on each individual of the 2011-12, Boston Bruins.

In order of jersey number, each player will be highlighted. In today’s edition, we have number 17, Bruins forward Milan Lucic.

Name: Milan Lucic
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Age: 23
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 228 lbs.
Contract: Restricted Free Agent after 2012-13 season

2011-12 NHL Season stats:
Regular season: 81 GP, 26-35-61, plus-7, 135 PIM, 149 SOG
Playoffs: 7 GP, 0-0-3, plus-2, 8 PIM, 12 SOG

Anthony’s Analysis:

Milan Lucic followed up a career year with an inconsistent campaign, but yet still managed to score 26 goals. Lucic’s scoring certainly suffered once Lucic lost line-mate Nathan Horton to a concussion, but as the Bruins top left winger you should still be able to put the puck in the net. My biggest gripe with No. 17 was his play in the Bruins playoff series against the Washington Capitals. Lucic was a complete no-show at a time when his team needed him the most. With Lucic playing for his next contract next season I’d expect Lucic to be much better.

Anthony’s Grade: C+

Tim’s Take:

In 2011-12, Milan Lucic followed up his career high 62 point campaign (30 goals, 32 assists) from the previous year with 61 points (26-35) while notching seven power play goals, a career high. However, those numbers aren’t a true indication of Lucic’s season and in a worse way. While at times he was up to the Lucic of old — getting physically engaged in the battle as seen after running Sabres goalie Ryan Miller in the team’s first meeting of the year back in November — there were other times where he disappeared and that was certainly noticed in the postseason where he tallied just three assists against the Caps. With one year left on his current contract, 2012-13 could potentially be a make or break year before the Vancouver native becomes an RFA.
Grade: C+

Chris’ Turn:

He may have been fourth on the team in total points during the regular season with 61 points (26 G, 35 A), but Milan Lucic continues to struggle in the playoffs for the Boston Bruins. Lucic did not score in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs while only adding three assists. Not only was his offense not there, but his physicality took a dip and the Bruins lacked the toughness that made them so tough to beat in the regular season. Do not get it wrong people, Milan Lucic had a phenomenal regular season again for the black and gold, but when the team needed him most he just looked slow to the puck, he turned the puck over and could not bury a scoring chance. He is still only 23 years of age and still progressing as a hockey player, but the Bruins need “Looch” to contribute for a full season not just the regular season, playoffs too.

Final Grade: C