Michael Frolik Finally Manages to Score for the Chicago Blackhawks

This year, it seemed that the NHL trade frenzy began on February 9 with Francois Beauchemin being shipped from Toronto to Anaheim.

Yet, on the same day, another deal was made—one that received a lot less attention than the start of Brian Burke's fire sale. 

Michael Frolik (along with Alexander Salak) was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan.

The 23-year-old had scored at least 20 goals in both of his first two seasons in the NHL, and looked like he could provide some additional scoring from lower down the depth chart.

Before he was traded, Frolik had only 8 goals and 21 assists this season in the Sunshine State.

He was expected to pick up the pace a bit as he became the newest member of the 'Hawks and had new (and much better) teammates to play with.

Alas, not so.

In his first nine games with Chicago, Frolik failed to put up a single point despite the team's run of 5-1-3 while getting at least one point in 8 out of 9 games.

Some fans were already going as far as calling the trade a bust.

It wasn't for lack of effort.

While watching Chicago play, I noticed that Frolik works hard, moves the puck well and has a wicked wrister, but the pucks just weren't going in.

However, last night, Frolik finally managed to snap his streak.

In Chicago's 6-4 win over the Flames, Frolik not only managed to score his first goal for the club, but he also added two assists for good measure.

Frolik, after taking a pass from Jake Dowell close to the net, backhanded a shot past Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.

Though it's a little hard to expect him to reach 20 goals again this season with only 18 games left, it'd be nice if he scored around 15, and that's not at all outside of reach.

Frolik is a dangerous player. If he can click with his linemates and continue finding the net, opposing teams could be forced to face the threat of not only Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa, but from Frolik as well.

Here's to many more, Michael!

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