Cheechoo hasn't gotten off to the greatest start this year, which has basically been the least surprising development to date this year. After winning the Maurice Richard trophy a few years back, the forward's production has steadily declined to the point where he produced his lowest output of his career last year with San Jose.
Everyone seems to cheer for Cheechoo while quietly grumbling about how increased production from him would also really help the team. Coach Clouston regularly brings his name up as one of the hardest working players on the team.
But as an observer who doesn't get to see what goes on in the weight room or to see who shows up to practice first, I have to say that Cheechoo has appeared sluggish during games so far this year. For whatever reason, it always seems like he's going at half-speed.
That was, until last night's game.
Cheechoo took his game to another level against the Kings. And that performance, more than anything else, confirms to me that he hasn't been playing up to his abilities so far this year.
Last night, he was dominant. He battled for the pucks along the boards, went hard to the net at every opportunity, and skated like a madman.
Clearly, injuries have taken a toll on Cheechoo's body, particularly his skating legs. And up until now that's been a good enough excuse for his mediocre performance.
But last night, he raised the bar, proved that he can still take charge of the game, and was rewarded for his efforts with a goal.
From now on, I think that the "trying hard" excuse is no longer sufficient. Cheechoo can still play, and the Senators need him to continue playing the way he did last night.
Some of us are able to get by on ability alone. Cheechoo, for better or for worse, is not one of them. If he wants to keep playing in this league, he's going to have to keep playing the way he did against the Kings.
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