Milan Lucic had a game-high 10 hits in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
That physicality helped the Bruins turn the tide after a one-sided first period. "The sense of desperation came into our game," said Lucic. "We were desperate on pucks, and trying to hunt pucks and win puck battles before after the first period. Being physical is a big part of our game, and when things aren't going your way you try to get yourself into it any way that you can. For me, that's what I was trying to do: just get physical and get in on the forecheck. It seemed like things started to happen for us after that. We talked before the series about how important a factor the fore-check was going to be, and we need to keep that up."

Milan Lucic notched three points, however they weren't enough as the Bruins fell to the Blackhawks 4-3 in three overtimes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Lucic scored twice and assisted on Patrice Bergeron's power-play goal in the third period. The Bruins were outplayed a bit in the middle portion of the game, getting just 14 combined shots on goal in the second and third period, but they easily could've potted the winner in the overtime frames, too, as they managed 29 shots in those periods, most of which was played with 10 forwards -- Nathan Horton left late in the first OT with an injury and Shawn Thornton barely played (9:55 for the game). David Krejci had two assists, while Horton and Tyler Seguin chipped in with one apiece. Andrew Ference led the team with 10 hits, while Dennis Seidenberg had a game-high nine blocked shots.

Milan Lucic knows that Boston's ability to get on the forecheck against Chicago's mobile defense will be a key to the series.
"Our forecheck's given us success in the playoffs and a lot in the last round there, so it's one of the keys to our success and it's one of the things we have to keep up with in order to give ourselves a chance for success," Lucic said. "You're not going to score goals if you're not playing in the offensive zone. You have to do whatever you can to create offensive-zone time and it all starts with a good forecheck." Lucic is second in the playoffs with 68 hits in 16 games and he'll continue to finish all his checks in the finals with the Stanley Cup on the line.

The Boston Bruins haven't played the Chicago Blackhawks since Oct. 15, 2011.
"Other than what we've seen on TV, we don't really know much about them, other than that they're a real good hockey club," Milan Lucic said. "They've probably been the most consistent team since the start of the season. It's a big reason why they won the President's Trophy this year." This is a unique situation given that the shortened schedule means that the Western and Eastern Conference teams didn't play against each other this year. That creates an extra level of intrigue, although between scouting and reviewing game footage, both teams will be very familiar with the other by the time the Stanley Cup finals start.

Milan Lucic thinks Jarome Iginla picking the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Boston Bruins was a source of motivation.
"When a guy chooses another team over your team, it kind of does light a little bit of a fire underneath you," said Lucic. "Fortunately, we were able to turn it into a positive more than a negative. He's a great player. He's a legend, he's a future Hall of Famer, and looking back at that day, he earned the right to make the decision he made. You can never blame a guy for going with his heart and making that type of decision. I'm not going to insult him in any way." All the same, it looks like Iginla picked the wrong side if his goal was to win the Stanley Cup. The Boston Bruins went on to sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals and will attempt to win the Stanley Cup for the second time in three years.

Milan Lucic registered a game-high eight hits in Game 3's double OT win over Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have outhit the Bruins in all three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but they are down 3-0 in the series. Lucic has amassed 65 hits in 15 postseason games. He also picked up an assist in the contest to give him a helper in all three matches so far versus Pittsburgh.

Milan Lucic has been a driving force for the Bruins in their first two playoff rounds and he'll have to continue his strong play if Boston is going to advance past Pittsburgh.
He only had one goal in five games versus the Rangers, but he created havoc on the forecheck and registered six hits in Game 5's 3-1 victory. "His physicality, his strength when he brings pucks to the net, when he gets his skating going, he's a hard guy to stop," coach Claude Julien said. Lucic has three goals and seven assists in 12 postseason contests to go along with 55 hits.

Milan Lucic got his third goal of the postseason in Boston's Game 2 win over the New York Rangers.
He potted the last goal of the contest in a 5-2 victory. Lucic also posted two hits to give him a total of 42 in just nine playoff games. He currently has 10 postseason points.

Milan Lucic scored in Monday's Game 7 win for the Bruins, and now he's ready to continue the New York-Boston rivalry.
Lucic's goal came over nine minutes after Horton's in the third period, with the Bruins' playoff lives still on life support. The power forward also had a helper. "It looks like it's going to be the Rangers [in the second round],'' Lucic said. "Boston-New York, Red Sox-Yankees, Giants-Patriots, Knicks-Celtics this year, and now we have this. So two cities that there's a lot hatred between in sports, and from a fan's perspective and a player's perspective, it's something to look forward to."

Milan Lucic had a goal and an assist as the Boston Bruins scored three times in the final 11 minutes of the third period to force overtime in Monday's 5-4 Game 7 win.
Lucic picked up the primary assist on Nathan Horton's goal, which made it 4-2 at 9:08, and then scored a rebound goal at 18:38 that cut Toronto's lead to 4-3. Lucic has been one of the better offensive players for the Bruins in the series but had been held off the scoresheet in Game 5 and 6 as the Maple Leafs appeared poised to rally from a 3-1 series deficit.

Milan Lucic scored the only Boston goal in a 2-1 loss to Toronto Sunday night.
Lucic broke James Reimer's shutout in the final minute of regulation, but it wasn't enough as the Bruins couldn't get any other pucks behind the Leafs netminder. Jaromir Jagr and Zdeno Chara drew assists on the lone marker.

Milan Lucic required nine stitches on his right eyebrow after he was hit in the face by the puck in Game 4.
A Lucic shot also made direct contact with the forehead of Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Fraser in the third period Wednesday night. "Thankfully it hit me on the eyebrow and it wasn't lower," Lucic said. "I kind felt like I got kicked in the head when the puck hit me. Unfortunately, it went the other way when the puck hit Fraser in the head. I saw him get escorted out of the arena and I saw that it wasn't an eye injury for him. That's good to see, that he didn't receive an eye injury and he was up and walking on his own." Lucic doesn't have a goal yet in the series, but after four games he has collected six assists and 15 hits.

Milan Lucic has impressed Bruins coach Claude Julien in the first round.
"He's been arguably our best forward," Julien said. "It's obvious he's feeling better about himself now than he did all year." Lucic has six assists in three games in the playoffs. He struggled during the regular season by his high standards and even ended up serving as a healthy scratch late in the campaign. That stint in the press box seems to have done him some good.

Milan Lucic has turned the corner in a big way for the Bruins.
In coach Claude Julien's doghouse toward the end of the season, Lucic has been a force in the playoffs, with six assists, three of which came Monday, and 11 hits. "Milan was huge tonight, David Krejci said. "I thought he was our best player, and he was making strong plays out there.

Milan Lucic concluded the regular season with an assist in Boston's loss to Ottawa on Sunday night.
He also had one shot, five penalty minutes and three hits during his 17 minutes of ice time. It's been a tough year offensively for the Bruins' hulking forward, but he feels like he's turning it around lately. "I felt really good with the puck. I felt I made a lot of good plays," Lucic said. "I felt like I was moving my feet. That's been the main thing I've been focusing on these last couple of games. I want to keep building and building so it's where it needs to be [this] week." He ended up with seven goals and 20 assists in 47 games this campaign, while contributing 75 PIMs and 139 hits as well.

The Boston Bruins coughed up a two-goal lead in the third period on Saturday.
They now have a 15-4-4 record when leading after 40 minutes. That might sound impressive, but it's actually one of the worst records in the league. "Hopefully [Saturday] is the last time we have to learn this lesson about giving up the lead going into the third period," said Milan Lucic. "But there is a lot to look forward to tomorrow. We control our own destiny to fight for first in the division." Boston can claim the Northeast Division with a win on Sunday.

Milan Lucic notched a goal and had an assist in the Bruins' 3-2 overtime loss to the Capitals on Saturday night.
The forward has been in the doghouse recently, but an engaged and physical Lucic is a handful to contain and he has the ability to be a pivotal player in the playoffs. Andrew Ference scored the other goal for the Bruins.

For one night at least, the old Milan Lucic was back.
Lucic was physical (four hits), engaged (fighting major) and kept his feet moving throughout the game. The Bruins have lacked his nastiness and confidence for parts of this season. "I've got to keep my focus,'' said Lucic. "I know when I play like that, I'm physical and moving my feet, everything else tends to take care of itself. I can't lose touch of what made my game successful tonight. You keep that up, eventually you are going to get rewarded for it.''

Milan Lucic is motivated to end the regular season on a high note after being a healthy scratch in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh.
"It's a different perspective sitting up there and getting to watch the game, he said. "I think it just kind of builds that hunger back in you that you want to make sure it never happens again. I'll make sure it never happens again." Lucic got back into active duty in Sunday's win over Florida, where he posted three shots and five hits during his 12:54 of ice time. Offense has been an issue for Lucic all year, with just six goals and 24 points in 42 games, but he's still been a decent contributor when it comes to hits (127) and penalty minutes (65).

Milan Lucic is a healthy scratch on Saturday.
Lucic was a candidate to be sent to the press box on Friday and it looks like the game's postponement didn't alter that plan. Lucic's struggles led to him logging just 10:53 minutes of playing time on Wednesday. Maybe being scratched will spark him before the playoffs start.

There is no word as of yet whether Milan Lucic will be a healthy scratch for Saturday afternoon's game against the Penguins.
Before the contest that was originally scheduled for Friday night was postponed, Boston coach Claude Julien was contemplating such a move. Lucic has been struggling all season and seems to have lost confidence in his game. Stay tuned for further updates regarding his availability.

Milan Lucic may be relegated to the press box Friday when the Boston Bruins host Pittsburgh.
He logged just 10:53 of ice time in Wednesday's shootout loss to Buffalo and skated on the team's fifth line during Thursday's practice. Lucic also hasn't been getting power-play time over the last couple of games. He has just six goals and 24 points in 41 games this campaign.

Milan Lucic ended a nine-game goal scoring drought on Saturday.
That goal scoring slump was part of a larger cold streak. He has only found the back of the net twice in his last 26 contests. We'll see if he can use the goal he scored on Saturday to build some momentum.

Milan Lucic has scored only one goal in the Bruins' last 25 games.
Yes. You read that right. Although Boston coach Claude Julien has been patient with Lucic, don't be surprised if Lucic sits a game out in the press box. This would be a drastic step considering the Bruins' injuries at the moment but the power forward seems to have lost all his confidence.

Milan Lucic was held off the scoresheet again Thursday night despite being moved onto a line with Jaromir Jagr.
Lucic now hasn't scored a goal in nine straight games and the drought got him bumped from both of the Bruins' power-play units Thursday night. With Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron out with concussions, the Bruins need much more from the burly forward.

Milan Lucic hasn't scored a goal in eight straight games.
He has contributed five assists over that span, but in the larger picture he has just one goal in his last 24 contests. Lucic has to be better especially with Patrice Bergeron and possibly Brad Marchand out with concussions.

Milan Lucic has a goal and an assist in the past three games.
Lucic scored his first goal in 16 games Monday and registered an assist on Nathan Horton's goal Saturday. The power forward is among the NHL's most valuable fantasy players because of his scoring ability that's coupled with his edgy style. Quite simply, he's a five-category fantasy player and a must start every night.

Milan Lucic scored his first goal in 16 games Monday.
He snapped his slump on the team's third line with Rich Peverley and Jordan Caron. Lucic has just five goals and 49 shots on the year, but he has contributed with 57 penalty minutes and 106 hits as well.

Milan Lucic scored a goal in the Bruins' 3-2 shootout win over the Leafs Monday night.
Even with only five goals on the season, Lucic is one of those players that will help you in every major fantasy category. The power forward is among the NHL's most valuable fantasy players because of his scoring ability that's coupled with his edgy style. Quite simply, he's a five-category fantasy player and a must start every night.

Milan Lucic was dropped to Boston's third line during Sunday's practice.
He skated with Rich Peverley and Jordan Caron in the session, while Brad Marchand skated alongside David Krejci and Nathan Horton instead. Marchand's spot flanking Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin was taken by Daniel Paille. The new combination may only be temporary, according to coach Claude Julien but he felt a shuffling of the deck was in order.

Milan Lucic has scored one goal in his last 13 games.
"We needed to do more, put more at the net, and have more guys going to the net," Lucic said referring to Tuesday's loss in Pittsburgh. "That's the way that, for us, we get most of our offense. You need everyone to step up and produce. Unfortunately, we didn't have that." He has mustered just three shots on goal in his past five outings and twice he hasn't gotten any. He's also posted a minus-4 rating in his last two contests. Lucic will look to get back on track Thursday when the Bruins host Florida.

Despite scoring only four goals this season, Milan Lucic has been a force for the Bruins.
He has assisted on some beautiful goals scored by his linemates. More importantly Lucic has dominated his shifts physically. He is seventh in the league in hits with 69, even though he has played fewer games than most ahead of him in that category. From a fantasy perspective, he leads the Bruins in penalty minutes with 46. Boston coach Claude Julien is certainly impressed with Lucic's physical play. "His physicality, when he throws body checks, it makes a difference as far as the energy in our hockey club, and what it does to the other team, looking over their shoulders," Julien said. Lucic is a five-category fantasy player and is a must start regardless of your league's format.

Milan Lucic scored a goal and accumulated 14 penalty minutes on Sunday.
Lucic got a combined four minutes for cross-checking and roughing. However Lucic, who was mad about what he believed to be an earlier blown call, continued to yell at referee Chris Lee until Lucic got a 10-minute misconduct while still in the sin bin. Bruins coach Claude Julien didn't seem upset with what happened. "That's Milan showing his character," Julien said. "We like him for what he is. He just reacted to what he thought was a dangerous play on him. I'll accept that. So will the team. As you saw, we made sure we killed that off." Boston still earned a 4-1 victory.

Milan Lucic helped fantasy owners out greatly in the Boston Bruins' 4-1 win against the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
It was helpful enough that the big forward scored his fourth goal of the season, but what really made him useful was the 14 PIM he piled up. He now has 44 penalty minutes to go with eight points in 13 games played.

Milan Lucic didn't reveal much as to what his personal matter was that caused him to miss Sunday's game when he returned to practice Tuesday, but everything appears to be settled.
"Like Coach said and everyone said, it was personal reasons, and the good thing is everyone is home and healthy now, and that's basically it," Lucic said. "It was a long last three couple days, flying to Winnipeg and flying all the way back as soon as I got out there. Everyone is happy and healthy, and that's the main thing." Lucic and his wife, Brittany, welcomed their first child, daughter Valentina, into the world on Jan. 17. He's expected to be back in the lineup Thursday versus Tampa Bay.

Milan Lucic was back with the Bruins at Tuesday's practice after missing Sunday's game for personal reasons.
Lucic's return was very much needed Tuesday since the Bruins had seven players sitting out practice with the flu. He'll be back in the lineup Thursday against the Lightning.

As hinted upon earlier, Milan Lucic will miss Sunday's match against the Winnipeg Jets for personal reasons.
The good news is that it isn't injury related, although that might not soothe those in head-to-head leagues who could benefit from his fantasy versatility. He's re-established chemistry alongside David Krejci and Nathan Horton this season, so the good outweighs the bad.

Milan Lucic will probably miss Sunday's game due to a personal matter.
The Boston Bruins are in Winnipeg, but Lucic has returned to Boston. He has eight points and 30 penalty minutes in 12 games this season.

Milan Lucic collected two assists in Boston's 4-3 shootout loss to the New York Rangers Tuesday night.
The Boston winger is starting to pick it up offensively with one goal and three assists during his present three-game scoring streak. Blueliner Dennis Seidenberg had two helpers as well in the contest, while Brad Marchand, David Krejci and Nathan Horton scored the club's goals.

Milan Lucic is tied for fifth in the NHL with 31 hits in eight games.
Lucic is one of those players that will help you in every major fantasy category. He already has four points and 24 penalty minutes in eight games this season. Lucic should pick up the pace offensively as we get deeper into 2013, but his PIM per game rate will likely regress to less than two per contest.

Milan Lucic picked up a fighting major for a second consecutive game when he took on Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason.
He also posted a plus-2 rating and one shot on goal in the match. Lucic has three points, 24 hits and a whopping 22 penalty minutes in five games this season. He's a great addition to leagues from rough and tumble play, but what allows him stand apart from most of the crowd is that he can actually score as well.

Milan Lucic lit the lamp for the first time this season, but the Bruins fell in overtime to the Rangers on Wednesday night 4-3.
The forward is among the game's most valuable fantasy players because of his scoring ability that's coupled with his edgy style. Nathan Horton and Brad Marchand had the other goals for Boston. Nineteen-year-old Dougie Hamilton, who was one of five players to notch assists, was very impressive in this game, getting four shots on goal and being rewarded with 18:55 of ice time.

Milan Lucic entered Tuesday's action with a league-leading 14 hits after just two games.
He currently sits third now after being passed by Montreal's Alexei Emelin (15) and Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck (16). Lucic led a physical Boston team with 201 hits last season. The Bruins are expecting a tough match against the 0-2 New York Rangers on Wednesday night.

Milan Lucic wasn't at practice Thursday because of personal reasons, but coach Claude Julien expects to have him back Friday.
Tyler Seguin reported on Twitter: "Congrats to my boy Luch and Brittany on their new baby girl!" Lucic didn't play overseas during the lockout, primarily to be with his pregnant wife. Our congratulations go to Milan and Brittany as well for their first child.

Milan Lucic feels getting outworked by the AHL Providence Bruins in a scrimmage Tuesday will help the big club moving toward their NHL opener.
He said now he knows "what [he has] to work on" with Saturday's opener against the Rangers drawing closer. Lucic is hoping that the 7-5 loss will be "a good wake-up call for us." The Boston power forward didn't play overseas during the lockout, so he may need some time in the early part of the year to get back up to speed.

Milan Lucic chose not to play overseas during the lockout primarily to help out with his pregnant wife, Brittany.
She is scheduled to give birth to the couple's first child in approximately three weeks. "If she wasn't pregnant, it would have been a cool experience," said Lucic, who had offers from the KHL, Germany and Switzerland. "I probably would have went. But with this circumstance and everything that happened, it was great that I was able to be around for her. These last three years, when she's been with me in Boston, she's been my support. It was kind of nice to return the favor." In the NHL's shortened season the Bruins will need a much better start than they had last year coming off their run to the Stanley Cup. Lucic will likely find himself skating with Nathan Horton and David Krejci on opening night since the trio has chemistry. Additionally there may be an absence from a practice or a game to welcome his new baby into the world, but we'll cross that bridge when the time comes.

Milan Lucic isn't worried about his conditioning being up to par by the time the season starts.
"You're never really in game shape until you're playing games," he said. "For myself, I try to keep myself in shape, but we still have two weeks here of skating (before games). I've never had a problem with my conditioning at any level, so I'll be ready." He has only been an occasional participant in the team's morning workouts during the lockout and he didn't play anywhere else either. Lucic was on the ice with seven other Boston teammates on Monday though in preparation for training camp.