Making The Grade – Milan Michalek

EXPECTATIONS

Milan Michalek entered the season with a pile of offensive expectations as one of the few true offensive options on a Senators team that was expected to struggle to score goals.  If the Senators were going to contend for a playoff position, Michalek was going to have to have a career season.

THE HIGHS

Only 10 players in the league bulged the twine more than the Sens winger.  His 35 goals led  the team, and marked the first time he surpassed the 30 goal mark.  He also suited up for 77 games, which was the most in his Senators career.  Michalek was voted as a starter in the all-star game along with three other Sens.

THE LOWS

Playing as much, and with the quality of players he did, you would expect more assists from Michalek.  Although his primary task is to put the biscuit in the basket,  his 25 helpers wasn’t enough.  The Senators needed more production in the playoffs than he gave them.

THE STATS

Michalek 35 goals was 9 more than his previous career high. He had five 3 (or more)-point games and netted a hat trick in a March game in Tampa.

THE GRADE

All in all, Michalek’s season made most Sens fans forget about old Dany Whatshisname. He delivered for the most part, and also provided solid penalty killing.  His grade for the 2011 -12 season is: