Petr Sykora - NHL's Second Star of the Week

by FrankD on Mar 17, 2008 6:51 PM EDT in News

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Petr Sykora was the NHL's Second Star of the Week and with good reason. In the past four games, Sykora battled through the pains of back spasms to amass an evenly distributed eight points (4G-4A). The lucidity of his play alongside Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone has left many questioning a fit for Sidney Crosby upon his eminent return.

Despite his career stats of 272 goals and 351 assists, it's amazing to think Sykora has never drawn the hats from the crowd. He's had enough two-goal games to his credit, whereby the third was merely out of reach. As evidenced in this past Sunday's game against the Flyers, his teammates want Sykora to get it just as much as he does.

Malkin tried in vain to dish Sykora the helper, as did Malone on a few attempts. But it turned out to be yet another two goal ending for Sykora.

But hey - he'll take it.

In his twelve seasons with the NHL, Sykora's bets goal-scoring effort came in the 2000-2001 season with the New Jersey Devils. Sykora lit the light 35 times that season and tagged on 48 helpers for a career high 81 points.

So far this season Sykora's 58 points (25G - 33A) has powered the injury prone Penguins to more than a few wins. With 11 games remaining it's doubtful Sykora will match or surpass his career high, but if coming close is any indication to his place with the Devils, then perhaps the cup is closer than some may think.

In light of the age-old parable "If it ain't broke don't fix it", is it insulting to consider placing your captain and last year's reigning scoring champ on the second power play line?

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Comments

If he keeps

playing the way he has been I don't think it'll be too long before he gets some hats.

I'm happy to see Sykora get a little recognition, (Malone too for that matter, there have been a lot of complimentary articles floating around about him lately). On a team with two huge stars a lot of guys get overshadowed, so it's nice to see Sykora getting a few kudos from the league and the media.

by Dayna on Mar 17, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Malone and Sykora getting cred is always good - and well deserved. Malone's 26/27-years-old, so he's had it a long time coming. Sykora is showing that 12-year vets can still keep it going. He's not your typical 80-90 points per season scorer, but he's there when you need him.

I have a feeling they'll be more than a few similar articles floating around about Pascal Dupuis before the season is over...

And Connor Ja...no, nevermind. Just kidding.

by FrankD on Mar 17, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

SQUASH!

Connor James should be getting ready to head back to the farm soon, once Laraque's suspension is over and Sid and Gary return. He's gotten good experience though, and hopefully will be able to contribute in the playoffs if we need him.

Anybody else read this Mike Brophy article on the Hockey News? Sure, its his opinion, but to list those four and naming Alfredsson as a possible darkhorse without mentioning Malkin is absurd.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...

by killer93 on Mar 18, 2008 8:42 AM EDT reply actions

hah

Squash - that'll never get old. He's no doubt back on the farm before the playoff run, but like you said he certainly gained more than enough experience over the past few weeks.

I somehow am not surprised Malkin wasn't included in that article. I've never been much a fan of anything Mike Brophy writes, but when you consider Malkin wasn't even included in the initial All-Star Game it almost seems fitting that he'd be left out of everything else.

Iginla was THN's pick for MVP back in January. It doesn't surprise me they'd keep him in the running. Alfredsson is a real stretch though in my mind.

by FrankD on Mar 18, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions