Bryan Bickell and the Blackhawks agreed to a four-year $16 million contract extension in the off-season last year after he played a big role in helping the team hoist the Stanley Cup.
Many analysts and fans were skeptical of signing Bickell to such a big contract, as he was a player who really had not done much outside of the 2013 playoff run. This is not to downplay his performance in the 2013 playoffs by any means, as his production was a huge factor play in helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup last year. However, questions arose if it was just a two-month run of good production or something he could maintain. After all, players like John Druce, Chris Kontos, and Fernando Pisani all had one magical playoff run, and were never heard from again.
With just 11 goals and 15 points this season, many fans and analysts weren’t happy with Bickell’s production in the regular season this year. Yes Bickell did have some injuries (SIA Profile), but 15 points in 59 games is not what most would expect from a player earning $4 million per season. However he has once again taken the bull by the horns in the post-season, and many would say his work come playoff time is really earning him that that big extension. Bickell has a knack for coming up with clutch goals when the Blackhawks need him most. In just 12 playoff games, Bickell already has 6 goals and 9 points. He has also provided valuable net net front presence in the absence of injured centre Andrew Shaw (SIA Profile). Someone needed to step up without Shaw on the ice, and Bickell has done just that.
Bickell put up six points in the Blackhawks second round win against the Minnesota Wild. He started the series off in Chicago against the Wild with a bang, netting two goals in the series opener. He surged in the second game of the series as well, registering another three points. (One goal and two assists) He disappeared in Minnesota, along with the rest of the team, going on a two-game skid without any production at all. However, Bickell would score a huge goal on a deflection in the pivotal game 5 to tie it late. Captain Jonathan Toews would pot his fourth game winning goal of these playoffs to take the Blackhawks into Minnesota to close the series out.
Bryan Bickell proved extremely valuable in the playoffs last year, and he is doing the same this year. Although most would definitely like to see Bickell be a little more productive in the regular season next year, I am more than content with what he is bringing to this team for $4 million this year.
If you can sign a guy that will consistently step his game up come playoff time, I will take him on my team any day, even if you do not get the same caliber of production from him in the regular season. Bryan Bickell has proven two years in a row now that he is a special player in the playoffs. Hopefully none of that playoff greatness Bickell has shown he has goes away in the next round, the Western Conference finals.
The Blackhawks await the winner of Game 7 between the Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be on Sunday at 2 pm central time. Hopefully Andrew Shaw is back from his injury by then, but if not, Bickell will need to continue this stellar playoff showing. He is on pace to surpass his playoff point total from last year if the Blackhawks can make it back to the finals this year, I’d say, he is earning that contract just fine.
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