Grade: A-
Milan Lucic was one of several Bruins who had a career season. Sparked by a slower 09-10 season that was riddled with injuries, Lucic was back with a vengeance. By the regular season's end, Lucic scored 30 goals, 32 assists, and maintained a +28 rating, and 167 hits, and led the team in points along with David Krejci with 62. - all dramatic improvements from his previous seasons in Boston.
Lucic made his presence as more than just a slugger known when he scored his second career hat trick against the Florida Panthers on November 8th, 2010. Not even two months later, the guy behind the "Lucic Fight Club" t-shirts made his return when he took part in the December 23rd line brawl against the Atlanta Thrashers after a high hit from Freddy Meyer. In February (perhaps foreshadowing what was to come for Boston) the Bruins embarrassed the Canucks on their home ice, and it was none other than Boston's hulking left winger who scored the game winner.
Though Lucic slowed down during the post-season due to a sinus infection and a broken toe from a Seguin slapshot (who, if any of you have forgotten, took part in the Skills Competition and clocked a shot in at over 90 mph), Lucic missed no playing time and still led the team in hits during the Cup run with 71.
Perhaps the most ironic part of this entire breakout season was Lucic's initial goal: to break 20 goals. I think it's safe to say the 23-year-old shattered that goal, and if Julien keeps that Horton-Krejci-Lucic line together, we'll be seeing a very bright career from Looch.