Milan Lucic Struggling in Faster NHL
Edmonton Oilers left winger Milan Lucic is a big man in a game that is moving in a different direction.
In today’s faster NHL, the 6-foot-4, 238 lbs Serbian is struggling to make an impact on games at age 29.
Milan Lucic hasn’t scored a goal since December 23. That’s 19 games without a goal. Lucic, a 20 goal, 55 point-a-season player, is on course to score 13 and 45 points this year. He has an impressive career scoring average of 14.5%. This season, he’s scored 9 times from 102 shots, which is just 8.8%.
Lucic signed a 7-year, $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers two years ago as a free agent. With 5 years left on the current deal, Milan Lucic has to find away to adapt and fast.
He spoke about his frustration with his recent form, via Sportsnet.
“I’ve had chances to tie games, to put our team up by a goal. More than enough chances to score a big goal. It’s deflating, looking back.
“As games go on the frustration starts to build and the confidence starts to go away. There is a sense of doubt. But, it’s not the first time I’ve been through this either.
“I have been changing my diet. Not even next summer. Right now is where (the transformation) needs to start, for me to continue producing at a high level. I don’t know what the league is going to look like four years from now. It’s up to me to … get faster.â€
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“I weighed in at camp at 236. Right now I’m 238. I have to get down to 225. It’s just a matter of will and want. Wanting to.
“In a team sport like hockey, teams can overcome your mistakes but when you’re making them and the team’s losing, it piles all up into one big ball of stress and the frustration builds.
“As a leader, you try not to let that body language get to you because you know the trickling effect, but sometimes you have to show some emotion.â€
