2010-11 Player Review: Brenden Morrow

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Brenden Morrow #10 LW

• 32 years old.
• 2 years left on his contract.
• Will make $4.1 million next year.

Season stats and career high comparison:

Year	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points	+/-	PIM	SOG	PPG	PPA	SHG	TOI/G
2010-2011	82	33	23	56	-3	76	209	9	4	1	19:14
Peak Numbers	82	33	42	74	+30	183	209	12	16	3	21:21

 

The captain of the Dallas Stars was, as usual, the heart and soul of the team again this year. He played through numerous injuries throughout the season and for only the third time in his 10 year career, he played in all 82 regular season games.

The increase in health and his usual pain tolerance led to a boost in his individual stats this season as he notched a career high in goals scored and shots. His 56 points was the third highest in his career. He was instrumental during the season in the Stars’ wins. He scored 22 goals and had 16 assists in Dallas’ 42 wins while only scoring 11 times and tallying 7 assists in the Stars’ 40 losses.

While most of the Stars’ players had large differences of production throughout the season, Morrow was consistent in each month of play, though his numbers don’t exactly jump off the page. He started out the season on fire, scoring four goals in the first three games.

The problems started however, like for most Stars’ players, after the All-Star break when Dallas went into a tailspin. In February and March, a span of 26 games, Morrow had only two games where he had multiple points. Morrow failed to register a point in halof of those games (13) and the Stars consequently lost 10 of those games. It was during that point that Dallas fell from the playoff race and found themselves in an extended stretch where they were fighting for their playoff lives.

Morrow was also woefully disappointing against the Stars’ Pacific Division opponents. In 24 divisional games, Morrow only scored four times and had only seven assists. He only had one point against the Kings (in six games), although that one point was a huge overtime-winner. He had a minus rating against of the Pacific opponents: San Jose, Phoenix, Anaheim and Los Angeles. That will have to change if the Stars hope to make the playoffs next year.

Morrow did end the season on a tear though, as he scored a goal in each of his last five games, but Dallas came just short of making it into the playoffs.

Playing most of the games on a line with Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott, Morrow averaged eight points a month, but Morrow will probably find himself in a new role next season. With Brad Richards most likely leaving for greener pastures, the lines will have to shifted Morrow might not be playing with his usual buddy Ribeiro anymore.

Throw in the fact that a new coach will be in the fold and things could start slowly next season. However, I expect Morrow to do his usual business as long he can stay healthy, which is always a big question with how physical he plays.

 

Stats Legend:

 

 

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