Milan Lucic
One Bruins player who drew comparisons to Neely is Milan Lucic. For a time, Lucic reminded Bruins fans of Neely as he patrolled the ice.
Boston drafted Lucic in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft, and he made an instant impact with the franchise. He made the team his first season, and he quickly became one of the most feared players in the league.
Why was he so feared? Think back to all Lucic’s fights. Nick Tarnasky. Mike Komisarek. Jarko Ruutu. He won them all. I can’t even remember a fight he hands-down lost.
Then there were all the other hits and alteractions. Remember when he ran over Ryan Miller? Lucic single-handedly took down the entire Sabres organization. Buffalo still hasn’t totally recovered!
Or when he stuck his fingers in Alex Burrows’ mouth to help change the tenor of that 2011 Stanley Cup Final? Lucic and his teammates broke the Canucks for good. The city of Vancouver, from where Lucic hails, will never be the same.
Lucic also used his size and strength to provide some offense for the Bruins. He reached the 30 goal plateau once for Boston, and he had four 20 goal seasons combined for Boston, Los Angeles, and Edmonton.
Lucic’s best days are behind him, but he still is an intimidating presence for the Flames. He doesn’t score or skate like he used to, but he’ll still fight and stand up for his teammates.
Given his past, no matter his level of play, Lucic will always strike fear in opponents on the ice.