10 Things to Watch: Lombardi’s Hands

Let’s continue our preview of the 2008/09 season by taking a look at a guy who has the potential to put up some big points: Matthew Lombardi. As it happens, the Flames official site has pre-empted me with their recent article on Lombardi’s chances at a breakout season. Just see if that stops me.

Trevor and I talked about Lombardi over the summer, and I said that I hoped #18 was spending the summer with a tennis ball to work on his stick handling and breakaway moves. No question, Lombardi is among the most explosive skaters in the NHL; however, time and again last season he wasted breakaway opportunities simply by being unable to finish off scoring opportunities.

Given that Lombardi scored 57 goals in his final season of junior, we know he’s got a nose for the net, and based on his first goal of the preseason, we know he’s still got the hands. If Lombardi stays healthy and can start converting on his chances, I can see him scoring 40 goals this season. This is one guy that could be hugely entertaining to watch this year.