Boston Bruins: Analyzing and grading the 2019-20 season of Par Lindholm
By Matt Hawkins
How did Par Lindholm’s first season with the Boston Bruins go?
Forward Par Lindholm was signed by the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2019, to a two-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $850,000.
In his first season with the B’s, Lindholm played in a bottom-six/reserve role. Although he isn’t the most skilled when it comes to offense, he plays a solid defensive game.
Suiting up for 40 games in 2019-20, Lindholm registered six points (three goals, three assists. This is good for a 0.15 points-per-game average. A pace that would see Lindholm score around 12 points in a full 82-game season.
This isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s solid production from a fourth line forward who averaged just over 11 minutes of ice time per game in 2019-20.
Lindholm’s value comes from his defensive ability. Lindholm’s managed to end the regular season with a plus/minus (+/-) of +6 and a defensive point shares (DPS) of 0.8. His expected plus/minus (E+/-) finished at a 4.1.
This shows that although Lindholm doesn’t score often himself, his team seems to score when he’s on the ice and usually doesn’t allow many goals when during this time as well.
Furthermore, Lindholm had a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 49.8 and a Fenwick-for percentage (FF%) of 50.2. So, he wasn’t terrible at controlling and driving the play, but he good either.
Lindholm had a rough postseason. In six playoff games, he managed not to record a point and have a +/- of -2.
What grade should Par Lindholm get for his first season with the Boston Bruins?
Lindholm is a depth forward that won’t often play on any line other than the fourth line, if and when he cracks the lineup.
So, I didn’t really expect too much from him. I think six points in 40 games and a pace for around 12 points in 82 games is solid contribution from a depth forward.
Additionally, Lindholm was solid defensively having a position +/- and E+/-. He wasn’t a liability on the ice as he was around 50% when it came to controlling the play. However, he had a tough postseason, which will bring his grade down a bit.
Next. Boston Bruins: Analyzing and grading the 2019-20 season of Chris Wagner. dark
For Lindholm’s first season with the Black and Gold, I think the grade of a C is appropriate.