Justin Abdelkader’s latest goal wasn’t exactly his most challenging tally of the season.
“Those are the easy ones,… Abdelkader said of his 17th goal of the season, an empty-netter that helped salt away Monday’s 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Like a forlorn fisherman, Abdelkader instead lamented the ones that got away.
“When you get the chances in the game – I had a few chances – you hope to bear down on those,… Abdelkader said.
More often than not, he’s done that this season and it’s positioned the Detroit Red Wings left-winger to record the first 20-goal campaign of his NHL career.
Yeah, it would mean a lot,… Abdelkader admitted of reaching the 20-goal plateau. “It would be a big accomplishment. Even last year I felt like I had a lot of chances, just for whatever reason I didn’t put them in the net.
“I feel like I’ve been more opportunistic and scored on more of my chances.…
Not that he’s thinking a lot about it, mind you. The absolute worst thing Abdelkader could do would be to put his focus on getting to 20 goals.
The next thing you know, he’d be clutching his stick and flubbing routine scoring opportunities.
“I don’t think you can worry about that,… Abdelkader said. “I think you just worry about going out there and playing to your capabilities, playing well.
“Obviously, goals are a funny thing where they’ll come in bunches at times and sometimes they won’t come for a bit. You’ve just got to keep doing the right things and I think you’ll be rewarded on the ice.…
Prior to this season, Abdelkader’s career high was 10 goals, set in 2012-13 and equalled last season. Detroit coach Mike Babcock believes the increase in production from Abdelkader, who was a 24-goal scorer for AHL Grand Rapids in 2008-09, is simply a matter of adding the combination of experience and maturity together.
Babcock pointed to the struggles of second-year forward Tomas Jurco, who has two goals in 52 games, as a sign of how young players can struggle to find their scoring touch in hockey’s best league.
“It’s growth and development, but it takes time,… Babcock said. “What’s interesting is it’s no different that Jurco right now who has two goals.
“At times Abdelkader struggled to make offensive plays I thought he might make. He’s 28 years of age now. That’s how long it takes for most players unless you’re a star.…
His consistent productivity has allowed Abdelkader to perform the majority of this season among Detroit’s top two forward lines – he’s currently skating alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Erik Cole – but it’s not Abdelkader’s first objective to score goals in order to stay among the top group.
It’s his strong forecheck and ability and willingness to get to the net that makes Abdelkader both valuable and successful in that role.
“I think my goal is to play so that it allows me to play with those guys,… Abdelkader said. “I know how I need to play to be successful and to be considered one of the top six guys.
“I think I do my part on the line, which is to try and be at the net, be physical, be in on the forecheck, skate. I think I bring hopefully an element to that line that makes it successful.
“I don’t get too caught up in top six, top whatever. I just go out there and try to play the way I can night in and night out. Wherever the line shakes out, the line shakes out. I try to do what I can no matter who I’m playing with and play the type of game I think I can to be successful.…
When he does those things, the scoring chances and the goals will just naturally come to Abdelkader.
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