Lucic said there were some confidence issues that he struggled with last season entering the playoffs.
View full sizeBoston Bruins forward Milan Lucic told reporters he dealt with confidence issues heading into the playoffs last season.WILMINGTON - Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic shared with reporters after practice at Ristuccia Arena that he dealt with some confidence issues heading into the playoffs last year and feels a lot better this season.
It's strange to think that someone who scored a career-high 30 goals a year ago would have any doubt about their game, but it showed as Lucic wasn't able to get going until Games 3 and 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Through the first four games in the first round against the Montreal Canadiens, Lucic was held pointless, but this year he's feeling a lot better about his overall play.
"I felt my skating has been a lot better this year and I think I played a little more of the physical aspect of the game this year than last year," Lucic said. "I remember going into last year and I struggled the last 10 games of the season and I struggled in the first 10 games of the playoffs. There was some confidence issues going into the playoffs and this year I feel better about myself and my game."
In his final six games this season, Lucic contributed two goals and four assists to end the regular season with 26 goals and 61 points - one shy of tying his career-high. He'll likely be skating with center David Krejci and right wing Rich Peverley on the top line when their first round series opens Thursday against the Washington Capitals.
Bruins coach Claude Julien agreed that Lucic's overall game has improved, which could make him tough to play against.
"I think growth and obviously experience maturity all that stuff goes hand..." Julien said. "The last couple of months he has skated as well as we've seen him skate. That's the part of his game he's been able to carry the puck instead of always looking to give it to a centermen or his other linemate."
There were some concerns about Lucic's shattered big toe on his right foot, which he suffered during a team practice between Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Lucic opted not to have surgery on his toe during the shortened offseason because he didn't want to miss any time in the beginning of the year and that decision has paid off.
"That's actually been really good," Lucic said. "Fortunately it hasn't bothered me much at all this season. I got full mobility back in it. I can move it all good again and thankfully it hasn't been an issue for me at all this year."