Is anyone talking about Lucic in here?

[Vinny01]

Lucic has salvaged what would be arguably one of Treliving’s worst moves in signing Neal. Lucic at 5.25M is overpaid but not terribly. He brings so much value to the identity of the team and seems like a great team guy.

[Mightyfire89]

I don’t think he’s necessarily got quicker, I think it’s the Sutter effect. Sutter probably had a one on one with him and emphasized that he’s got his back and that he’s still a good hockey player and is a huge part of the team and that he should go out there and give his all every shift to set an example for the young guys. Lucic in his prime was a bit of a unicorn and I’m sure Sutter loves that kind of player. He’s no longer there but he seems to be putting in more effort this season for sure. I do hope he caves in Kassian’s face this season though…he has seemed hesitant to get into the rough stuff with the coilers the last couple seasons. Flames won that trade 100%.
I love the Looch!

[Flames1217]

Lucic is the ultimate teammate and I think he is an integral part to our leadership group. I like him and I think every poster would like him if his contract was a 3 million.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least that Lucic jumps into a management/coaching role with the team once he hangs them up.

[topfiverecords]

All right then, come on, Spin
Let's talk about Looch, baby
Let's talk about Mangiapane
Let's talk about all the good things
And the bad things that may be

Let's talk about Looch for now
To the people at home or in the crowd
It keeps coming up anyhow
Don't be coy, avoid, or make void the topic
Cuz that ain't gonna stop it
Now we talk about Looch on the radio and video shows
Many will know anything goes

Let’s talk about Looch

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

All right then, come on, Spin
Let's talk about Looch, baby
Let's talk about Mangiapane
Let's talk about all the good things
And the bad things that may be

Let's talk about Looch for now
To the people at home or in the crowd
It keeps coming up anyhow
Don't be coy, avoid, or make void the topic
Cuz that ain't gonna stop it
Now we talk about Looch on the radio and video shows
Many will know anything goes

Let’s talk about Looch

Perfect analogy

[AC]

Originally Posted by Knightslayer

He's always been fast IMO. Just takes him a while to get up to his speed.

What amazes me about Lucic is how good of a passer he is. Always tape to tape.

I said it in a game thread recently, but I'm convinced he's one of the best forwards at creating a controlled breakout. He had a couple bad luck plays last year that hit skates and lead to goals against, but he's really good at the subtle touch pass, or absorbing contact and making the bump to the centre or a pinching D with his back to the play.

He's also deceptively fast as mentioned, which likely seems surprising due to his spinal condition and overall size.

I do love his fivehole snipes, I would wager at least half of all his goals have been a hard shot fivehole.

The slowmo replay of his quick hard shot vs Pittsburgh really highlighted why it works so consistently for him:

[FlamesAddiction]

Worth mentioning that even last season, he was on pace for 15 goals and 34 points over 82 games, which is pretty decent 3rd line production. That is on top of adding a physical presence and much needed veteran experience.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

This guy is a legit player in the league. He is so valuable in many ways. The confidence and courage he gives to others knowing he’s policing the ice with them. And he has really underrated hands. He was a top line guy in Boston for a bit. It’s why NJ, PhI,Pitt, and NYR and their fan bases despise him. I couldn’t be more overjoyed. And AC, you’re right about his break outs. He’s very dependable. I noticed it when we got him. Good catch.

I thought Neal was a good signing. I was wrong. Lucic is a real pwf and I do think his feet have a bit more jump to them this year. After his comments last year about the group I know he’s overjoyed and giving everything he has with sutter.

This guy could score some big goals during the playoffs. And James who? I give treliving credit on this move and the fox move.

I Love Lucic.

[Huntingwhale]

Lucic is one player I'll be eating crow for years. I legit feel bad for making fun of him when he was an Oiler. Obviously his contract and E=NG played into that. But some pretty harsh things were said about him on this site. I was worried it would transfer over when he came here.

Suffice to say, he's been everything and more than what I've personally expected from him.

Beauty of a player who has lead the way with the physical play this team has desperately needed for years. A leader in the dressing room. A pillar in the community. A true fan favorite.

While overpaid, it's not so bad considering the Oilers are still paying a chunk of it and he brings value to the team. I know 30 goals is unlikely, but I can definitely see 20 is things keep going right for him. I love having him on the team and want to see him make another championship run with us.

[Mindtravellee]

Originally Posted by Mightyfire89

I don’t think he’s necessarily got quicker, I think it’s the Sutter effect. Sutter probably had a one on one with him and emphasized that he’s got his back and that he’s still a good hockey player and is a huge part of the team and that he should go out there and give his all every shift to set an example for the young guys. Lucic in his prime was a bit of a unicorn and I’m sure Sutter loves that kind of player. He’s no longer there but he seems to be putting in more effort this season for sure. I do hope he caves in Kassian’s face this season though…he has seemed hesitant to get into the rough stuff with the coilers the last couple seasons. Flames won that trade 100%.
I love the Looch!

His best always seems to be on lines with younger players. Whether a line teaching role increasing his game or he sucks onto their youth I don't know, but I don't think he would be as effective on a vets line

[Scroopy Noopers]

This is just an anecdote because I love the player so much.

I went on a trip to Boston the fall that Iginla was joining the Bruins. We were having dinner in little Italy and the woman serving us was telling us how many athletes they get through there. We were talking mostly about hockey as I don’t care for anything else.

I asked her: “so who’s your favourite hockey player you’ve had in?”

Immediately said: “Milan Lucic”. Gushed about him, about how nice he was, and how friendly he was. And how he brings his parents in for dinner, etc…

Looch is world class.

[Domoic]

More points than Backlund and Coleman. As many as Monahan.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Domoic

More points than Backlund and Coleman. As many as Monahan.

That's probably a bit of an indictment on the play of Backlund and Monahan. Sutter isn't playing Coleman enough but the team is winning so not much of a big deal although I imagine he may have expected to get more of an opportunity to play when he signed with the Flames.

[calumniate]

Agreed about his leadership. Teammates must breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he's playing well, being positive, and is also the nuclear deterrent against tough teams

[memphusk]

What song do the play in the Saddledome when he scores?

[1qqaaz]

Another nice thing about Lucic is that he seems to step it up in the playoffs even when the rest of the team isn't.

[EVERLAST]

I think we don't see even half of the picture here with Milan.
Seems to always be working on his game and being a leader, good person , father and husband.

He isn't flashy but he gets the job done.

I don't think he had a voice when he was traded here for Neal because Peter's, Glue gun and Ward seemed to need to be the smartest guys in the room.

Sutter comes in and because Sutter is smart he knows the dynamic in the locker room and when your leaders lead it takes the pressure off of the entire coaching staff as far as motivation, discipline , etc are concerned .

The room is now much better and I think it started immediately after Neal was removed from thr locker room. Neal was a shmarmy, phony, posing know it all schmuck and one of the biggest cancers EVER in the Flames locker room.
Lucic has been a godsend. Add Tanev , Coleman, Lewis, and Lucic even doesn't need to be the only leader and center of attention.

I love Lucic and his goal celebrations where he's hoisting the cup.....thats the mindset these guys need to be in....practicing it before it happens is awesome.

Glad he's here.

[Scroopy Noopers]

^ I like your theory, but I’m pretty sure it’s a Tusken Raider cele.

[CSharp]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Is it just me or has he gotten faster this year?

I've always said, speed is all relative. I just think Looch is enjoying his role with Sutter and he's playing great since the shorten season at the beginning of this pandemic year.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

That's probably a bit of an indictment on the play of Backlund and Monahan. Sutter isn't playing Coleman enough but the team is winning so not much of a big deal although I imagine he may have expected to get more of an opportunity to play when he signed with the Flames.

Might have a little to do with Lucic's 25% shooting percentage too!

Love the behind scenes stuff Steve, we don't see enough of that kind of writing any more.