At 27, and entering his eighth season with the Ottawa Senators, top-line center Jason Spezza has always been a good player. But can he be the great player that the team needs him to be?
At the end of last season, many fans had their doubts.
Often criticized for making lazy plays and for disappearing in the playoffs, Spezza missed 22 games due to injuries last season and recorded only 57 points, with 23 goals. It was his second worst production season since joining the NHL. Add to this the fact that his own fans booed him during Game 6 of the playoffs against Pittsburgh, and not many were surprised when Spezza told general manager Bryan Murray he wouldn't resist a trade.
“Nobody likes getting booed at home,” he said. “They can boo me all they want on the road. I'm trying every night. Trying to become a better player.”
Yet now, after a summer filled with trade rumours, a serious and focused Jason Spezza has returned determined to put last season behind him. He spent the offseason strengthening his back, working on his weaknesses and he showed up at camp in the best shape of his career.
“Just lo ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Christopher Smith
Ottawa Senators Ready for a New and Improved Jason Spezza
October 8th, 2010 by Christopher Smith Leave a reply »
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