Lucic/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — Milan Lucic said at the start of the season he wanted to reach 20 goals.
It took the Bruins winger just 47 games played to reach that mark.
Lucic’s 20th goal of the season proved to be the game-winner tonight in a 2-1 win over Florida at the TD Garden.
“That was a big question coming in from myself and a lot of people, if I was able to get to that mark, and it came a lot quicker than I thought. But most importantly it was a big goal to help the team win here,” he said after the victory. “And it’s great that we’re first in the division heading into the All-Star Break.”
After an injury-riddled season that limited him to just 50 games in 2009-10, Lucic came back to Boston healthy for this campaign. Now he has to change his statistical targets.
“I’m just taking it one at a time, just looking at every game here and just try to create chances and opportunities,” he said. “I’ve had some real great linemates this year, and I feel like I’ve been skating better, and I’ve worked on my shot so I think that’s a big reason why I’ve been able to produce. And looking forward it’s the same thing. I’ve just got to take it one game at a time. I shouldn’t change anything and keep pushing for more.”
I guess I was comparing the potential of Horton to that of Ryder. They aren’t close in that department.
I guess if we are saying that Horton and Ryder look the same out there then there in lies the problems with Horton. That is pretty damning of Horton to say. I read those comments to be praising Horton. I didn’t realize we were putting him in the same camp as that lazy hump Ryder.
Fair point digger
Horton is one of the fastest skater on the team, Ryder is fast too. Horton is a bigger version of Ryder! Part of the problem with Horton is that his release takes way too long, he needs to find a way to get his shot off quicker like Recchi or Bergeron.
MCK- you say “I don’t know what some of you are watching.” and then you list all the things Horton should be and needs to be doing.
What some of us are watching is Horton play a lot like Ryder, hence the comparisons. If Horton was actually doing all the things you say he should/needs to be doing we would ALL be watching something different.
He should watch Recchi and Marchand and copy them. They are tiny compared to him and have the sack to go where he needs to. Horton needs to figure this out soon or when his contract is up, he will be surprised to find that good times don’t want him.
He has alllllllllllllll the tools, seemingly except for the attitude at this point.
I don’t know what some of you are watching. He doesn’t remind me of Ryder at all. Ryder is a finesse player. Horton is big and should be using his body. I don’t care if he has a sniper-like shot. He needs to get into the dirty areas, take the puck, possess the puck and shoot it. He needs to be more physical. He doesn’t look engaged to me. They didn’t get Horton to just hang out in the high slot and take feeds from the corner like an old Glen Murray. He is a very good skater.
He should be creating his own space with his size and speed. Go to the net. He doesn’t do that. He looks afraid to do that from what I see.
Have to disagree about Horton. There was blood in the water last night for him. He got some really great chances. It’s only a matter of time before he comes around again. I just wish it happened against his old team last night.
Looch just seems to continually improve. That shot was an absolute rocket and not something we’re used to seeing. Absolutely awesome to see.
Horton and Ryder are very similar in their games, neither are going to blow you away with speed or stickhandling. Both need time and space to get their shot away and be effective, they just need to find that space.
Horton has a wicked shot, like most snipers who live and die by their shot he will be streaky, see what is said when the guy gets hot, law of averages…
I was at the game too and I agree he is really weak with the puck, but you just have to figure that we didn’t get him for his puck control but his goal scoring….. which is sad seeing as he is the most snake bit player I have ever seen, I think he missed the net every time in warm up seriously he couldn’t put the puck in the net on the drills
Went to game last night. Horton skates hard until he gets to dirty areas. Has no interest in the front of the net or the corners. He is supremely weak with the puck
looch is clicking with krejci. horton, not so much. does it have anything to do with a right handed center feeding a left handed left wing (most passes on the forehand)? same thing with bergy and marchand.