Tomas Plekanec: Not Playing Like a Girl

After an outstanding 69 point campaign in the 2007-2008 NHL season, Tomas Plekanec went completely downhill during the final year of his contract in 2008-2009.  He managed to amass only 39 points.  During the playoffs in which the Habs were swept by their division rival Boston Bruins, Plekanec was quoted describing his play by saying he has been playing like a girl.

With 11 points in 12 games and on pace for a 75 point season, I can definitely tell you that Tomas Plekanec is playing like a man.  He is a man on a mission this season with Les Habitants.  I guess his intensity and willingness to prove himself shown to GM Bob Gainey this summer got him a one year 2.75 million dollar contract.  This lead to speculation that if he underperformed he would be traded at the NHL deadline because of last season's effort as well. 

Last season he started off on a great pace as well, scoring 10 points in his first 12 game.  However, this then lead to 3 points in his next 21 contests. 

I definitely do not see this happening this season.  He is starting to play again as a second line center.  As we saw in overtime against the lowly Islanders, this season Plekanec is doing what it was physically impossible for him to do last season.  He is making huge plays.  He sent a perfect saucer pass cross ice to a rushing Roman Hamrlik for the game winning goal.

Last night against the penguins, he scored our only goal against Marc-Andre Fleury this season.  It was a powerplay goal that seemed much easier than it should have been.  This season our talented, turtleneck wearing friend has been winning puck battles and digging deep in order to make the necessary plays to earn his 2.75 million dollar salary.

This year is the year he returns to the level of hockey he is supposed to play.