Lucic A Valuable Piece, But He's Not Neely
by Cory Lavalette on May 5, 2009 11:15 PM EDT
22 comments
Growing up in Connecticut and Massachusetts, I watched my fair share of Bruins games. I remember Ray Bourque patrolling the Boston Gardens blueline. I remember Mini 1-on-1 at intermissions. And I remember Cam Neely.
And Milan Lucic, my Beantown friends, is no Cam Neely.
I can see how it's easy to compare the Hall of Famer and the rugged Lucic. Both are Western Canadians who mix toughness with the ability to throw points on the scoresheet. Neither is scared to drop the gloves. And the Boston faithful love both.
You can line up their stats from each of their first two seasons and take the leap that Lucic is on a similar career arc. In his first two seasons with the Canucks, Neely managed a combined 37 goals and 33 assists for 70 points in 130 games. Lucic has 25 goals and 44 assists for 69 points in his first 149 games. Neely had 57 penalty minutes his rookie year, followed by 137 in Year 2. Lucic had 89 last year, 136 this season.
But Neely's next season, 1985-86, was his last at that level, and his last in Vancouver. He had 14 goals and 20 assists in 73 games, plus 126 PIMs. After Vancouver traded him to Boston — along with a first-round pick that became Glen Wesley — for Barry Pederson, Neely exploded. Over the next five seasons, Neely averaged more than 44 goals a season, peaking with a 55-goal, 37-assist campaign in 1989-90 that included 117 penalty minutes — and nine major penalties.
Following his five years of dominance, Neely was slowed by knee issues the next two seasons, limiting him to a combined 22 games in 1991-92 and 1993-93. But he bounced back the following year with one of the most productive seasons in NHL history, scoring 50 goals in just 49 games while adding 24 assists and 54 PIMs. He played the majority of the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season, putting up respectable numbers (27-14-41 in 42 games) for the Bruins, but managed just one more season. Hampered by a failing body, Neely had 26 goals and 20 assists in 49 games in 1995-96, his final campaign.
But it wasn't just the goals, points and penalties that made Neely a Boston icon. It was the way he did all those things.
When Neely fought, it wasn't against the game's middleweights (remember, Neely wasn't that huge at 6-1, 185 pounds, around the same size as Matt Cullen, perhaps a bit lighter), it was against whoever needed to be taught a lesson — big or small. Granted, a "big player" back then was probably 6-1 or 6-2, and a little more than 200 pounds, but Neely was often giving away 20 pounds to the guy on the receiving end of his fury. He fought the significantly larger Donald Brashear in his final NHL season in November 1995, even with a body that was running on fumes. He feared no one, and nearly everyone feared him.
But with that came the power and grace — or both attributes combined — with which he scored. He made his biggest impact below the dots, banging in rebounds, sneaking to the back door, and firing from the slot. But we wasn't averse to flashing the kind of skill expected of the Gretzkys and Lemieuxs. Here's a look at those remarkable 50 goals from 1993-94. Take special notice of Nos. 6 and 36.
The determination with which he battled around the net, coupled with puck skills as good as nearly anyone of his era, made Neely the ultimate power forward. But most importantly, Neely never gave up, even when his body gave up on him.
* * *
Anyone who watched Lucic this year — or even through two games of this season's Eastern Conference semifinals series with Carolina — knows he's never far from the net, screening the opposing goaltender. He also bangs bodies with the best of them, and at 6-4, 220 pounds, his hits usually pack a mighty punch. He's also willing to answer the bell when needed, fighting 10 times this season, second to only Shawn Thornton on the Bruins.
But if you watch video of the 17 goals Lucic scored this season — and I did — you'll see a lot of 2-on-1 finishes, cleaned up rebounds and fortunate bounces. You'll see him playing in an era when the forward screening the goalie is allowed to park in front untouched, not in a time when defensemen did on-the-job chiropractic medicine in front of the crease. Even Lucic's fight card consists of mostly mid-range and infrequent fighters, not heavyweights.
None of this takes away from what Lucic does for Boston. First and foremost, he's a distraction for the B's opponents and a rallying point for the Boston faithful. He's one of the game's best at finishing checks, and his goal screens are invaluable to Boston's efforts.
That being said, he's not one of a kind.
Guys like New Jersey's David Clarkson do the kinds of things Lucic does for Boston, just without the fanfare and catchy "Luuuuuuu" chant.
Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell — overlooked with a 30-30-60, 143 PIM season this year — is a fan favorite, like Lucic, and has the Wachovia Center wig receipts to prove it. The Hurricanes' own Tuomo Ruutu provides a Neely-esque mix of grit and skill, but isn't much of a pugilist. Ryan Malone. David Backes. Chris Neil — who was a 30-plus-point 200-plus PIM guy a few years back. All have attributes similar to what Lucic brings to the Bruins. Some do parts better, others not as well.
But none of these guys compare to Neely, the complete package. Not Lucic. Not anyone. So let's leave the Lucic-Neely comparisons at the door, because while the Bruins' young winger deserves credit for his emergence as a solid NHL role player, he's not the superstar, game-altering force Neely was.
And he never will be.
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No one's really making these comparisons....
I’m abit surprised at your Lucic / Neely article. I’m a B’s season ticket holder and a lifelong Whalers / Canes fan. No one in Boston thinks Lucic is Neely. The only person who makes comments like that is Pierre McGuire, and he’s an idiot. Lucic is a fan fave for sure but no one expects him to score 50 goals. I guess I fail to see the basis of your article. I think you might be the only one making the comparisons here.
You mean Wild GM PIerre McGuire. ;)
It’s not just McGuire … it’s everywhere. Keep in mind we’re not that saturated by McGuire down here (though I have heard him make the comparisons), but the Globe has hit on it a few times, some of the other B’s blogs out there have basically called him Neely 2.0, and the callers on XM certainly mention it whenever they get a chance.
That being said, it was directed more toward the coverage he gets b/c he’s a “blue collar” guy in Boston, and often mentioned at the same time as Neely. I don’t see Glen Wesley getting asked about Tim Gleason all the time, yet whenever there’s a Lucic article it seems Neely is quoted. That’s not Neely or Lucic’s fault — it’s just people wanting to do anything they can to link the past and present. See Carey Price/Patrick Roy.
Nice to have you back commenting. You always hold us accountable, which I appreciate.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, I know SCOC has avoided the comparisons … kudos to them!!
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I have always hated the Neely/Lucic comparison. I don’t think it is far to Lucic to expect him to be Cam Neely. He is a valuable member of this team though. I love the physical presence he brings and the way he can open up space for his linemates. The 17 goals were just a bonus, in my opinion.
Neely in his playing days was a lot bigger than 185 lbs. I would say he was closer to 220. Also, it is “Looooooch” not “Luuuuuuu”.
P.S. Nice Mini 1-on-1 reference. I miss “Pierson’s Pointers”
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 6, 2009 12:00 AM EDT reply actions
It seemed odd that he was listed 185 … I remember him around 200, 205 … but two diff. places had him at 185 (nhlreference and hockeydb) and I didn’t thin to check the NHL site. That being said, he was always willing to take on the bigger, tougher guys. I think Lucic would, too, if prompted … but Neely seemed to seek them out at times. There was a pt. in his career where the B’s were asking him not to fight as much so he’d be on the ice instead of the box, and I remember other teams taking cheap shots at him until he finally cracked. I think he finally went against Basil McRae to get the point across that enough was enough.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I have seen Lucic back down.
It was after he took out A.Kostitsen. Of coarse it was George Laraque looking for a fight. So I guess I can understand that. Laraque followed him around the ice for the rest of the game it seemed just asking him to fight.
by CarolinaCanes on May 8, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Alas, you can’t hear a “ch” sound when made by a crowd. No one cano end the “Luuuuuu” and cap it off with the “ch” at the same time!
I loved Mini 1-on-1 … it just came back a year or two ago right??
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s shootouts now instead of short games so the Mini 1-on-1 name actually makes sense now. Still fun to bet on though.
…and yes the “ch” would be hard to pick up.
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on May 6, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Lucic's weight
Corey – on the Bruin’s program I have here in my hand’s with the lineups from the Sunday game – which was great to watch in person wearing my Whaler’s jersey – Lucic is listed at 228. Not sure if he is really that big, as Marc Savard is listed as 5’10 " ;)
It’s like Charles Barkley being 6-8 … who knows where the truth begins and the fiction ends.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
There were only 2 other Canes jersey;' in the whole building
It was a lonely night.
I promise there’ll be more later today.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s been a welcome relief from the Montreal Invasion.
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure!
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on May 6, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
False.
“He’s also willing to answer the bell when needed, fighting 10 times this season, second to only Scott Thornton on the Bruins.”
There is no SCOTT Thornton on the Bruins, you must mean SHAWN Thornton.
I wouldn’t say it’s false … just a matter of me being careless. Fixed ..thx for the heads-up.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on May 6, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I am not sure if any of you just watched the Detroit game- but….MORE BAD OFFICIATING!!!!!!!!!!!! TERRIBLE CALL KEPT THE GAME FROM GOING TO A POTENTIAL OVERTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUCKS GOT A BIG-TIME BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 6, 2009 1:18 AM EDT reply actions
I was watching … yeah, rough call. But they’re supposed to blow it dead when they lose sight and that’s what was done. The action of intending to blow the whistle ends the play, so BIG break for the Ducks.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
Thanks for clarifying. I was going out of my mind wondering what the heck happened. But WOW, one heck of a break for the ducks!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 6, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
PS: Just happy that call didnt go against the ’Canes- I would have been going CrAzY!!!!!!
by PittsburghCaniac on May 6, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this article
I agree that he is not Neely. Being a Bruins fan I would hope and wish for another Neely but just have to face it. There will never be another one. Why? Because even Neely in his prime would be an average player on the ice in the NHL 2009 season. If you don’t agree then it might be time to look up some old clips of Neely and watch how much slower the game was.The game has evolved into an even more fast pace with players of bigger size than in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Yet, apples to apples, I feel it is too early to make a comparison. Now you are comparing a whole career of Neely to a 20 year old? imagine when he is 25 with that much more experience and playing more than 20 mins a game. The kid has already made a name for himself. He can already fight, he can already score, and he hits like a mack truck. Tell me the other team does not have they’re head on a swivel everytime Looooooch is on the ice!
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