Pat Svoboda's S68 Season

[StamkosFan 72]

Pat Svoboda's S68 Season

 

Pat Svoboda, after struggling to reclaim the heights he achieved in his sophomore season in the league, soared to that level and beyond with a career-best 73 points. By comparison, he got 71 points back in S65 with Davos. The move to Riga seemed to be beneficial for the Swedish right winger, as he scored above the point-per-game mark for the first time and reached 30 goals for the second time in his career. He had always struggled in the plus-minus department, which while no longer regarded as a very telling statistic, can still be indicative of defensive performance and a player's impact on his team's performance on the ice. His best ever before this year was being +1 in S66, and every other previous season of his career was -2; not exactly the most compelling numbers. But this year, he was an astounding +24, a massive improvement on anything he had done in the best. All in all, this was Svoboda's best year ever in almost every regard.

 

"I really just went back to basics and was able to find solid chemistry with my linemates. After a long time in the league, I've finally found my stride in my final seasons. Everyone has said I should be in my prime at this point of my career and now I'm finally feeling it. I will have a few more seasons to build on this, and hopefully I can close out my career with a roar rather than a whimper. I would like to hit either 80 points or 40 goals, maybe both, before this all is said and done. Perhaps that could happen next year, and maybe I can get a title before I am forced to retire by the league regulations. I would like a cup, it's always been a dream of mine to win a championship. Riga will be going for broke this year, and I know we have the heart, the strength, and the stamina to pull through and triumph against all opposition and adversity. I believe that we are as good as any other team in the league, and now it's just up to us to prove it," said Pat Svoboda.

 

Svoboda may not be playing for much longer in the VHL, as he is about to start regressing due to his advanced age. But he seems no worse for wear; he has aged like a fine wine, only getting better with time. He should keep his gig on Riga's top line going into the next season, and will again look to shatter his career bests. He has lacked consistency in his career, but will be looking to finally prove once and for all that he is legitimate and can get results. As long as Svoboda continues to play smart hockey, there is no reason why he would take a step backwards next year, and Riga fans are excited to see what the future holds for the Swede after this breakout campaign.

[Banackock 8,160]

Good luck next season Stammer. @StamkosFan