Morgan Geekie, the forward who surprised many with his scoring last season, is once again demonstrating his offensive prowess. His performance this season suggests his previous success was not an anomaly but a sign of continued development.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan Geekie has started the season with eight goals in a few games.
- He is currently tied for fifth in the NHL in goals scored.
- His shooting percentage remains high, at 32% this season.
- Teammate David Pastrnak believes Geekie has the potential to score 50 goals.
- Geekie is on a five-game goal streak, showing consistent offensive production.
Geekie's Remarkable Start to the Season
Morgan Geekie has quickly become a focal point for his team's offense. He has scored eight goals in the early part of the season. This places him among the league's top scorers, tied for fifth overall.
His recent form includes a five-game goal streak. This consistency highlights his growing confidence and refined scoring touch. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if he can maintain this impressive pace.
Fast Fact
Morgan Geekie's shot on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders registered at 95.68 mph. This was the hardest shot for any goal scored in the NHL this season, according to NHL Edge data.
Building on Last Season's Success
Last season, Geekie recorded 33 goals, nearly doubling his previous career high. This performance led to a six-year contract extension worth $5.5 million annually. At the time, some considered the contract a gamble, questioning if his high shooting percentage of 22% was sustainable.
His current season is silencing those doubts. He is not only replicating his scoring but elevating it. His shooting percentage has climbed even higher this season, reaching 32%.
"He has everything to score 50 in this league," said teammate David Pastrnak about Morgan Geekie. "I keep telling him, keep reminding him he has a heck of a shot, and he has the goal-scorer instinct. So, he's gonna get it one day. The shot that he has, it's amazing. It's the best on our team. And we just need to get him the opportunities and keep reminding him to shoot more."
Background
Geekie's journey to becoming a top scorer was not linear. He was a bottom-six forward just a couple of years ago. Last season, he was healthy scratched five times in the first 16 games. His breakout began in December, where he scored 31 goals over the final 55 games.
The Role of Shooting Volume and Chemistry
While a 32% shooting percentage is likely to regress, Geekie's increased shot volume offers another path to sustained scoring. Early in the season, he started slowly in the shot department, with only seven shots on goal in the first seven games.
However, during his current five-game goal streak, he has fired 18 shots on net. This indicates a more aggressive approach and a willingness to utilize his powerful shot. These are not just close-range opportunities; Geekie is beating goalies from a distance.
Chemistry with David Pastrnak
The chemistry between Geekie and linemate David Pastrnak was a key factor in his success last season. Pastrnak assisted on 21 of Geekie's 33 goals, accounting for 64% of his production.
This season, Pastrnak has assisted on half of Geekie's eight goals. While still significant, this percentage is lower than last year. Their 5-on-5 production together is also not yet at the same level. Last season, the team scored 4.19 goals per 60 minutes with them on the ice, compared to 1.95 goals this year. This suggests there is still room for their collective offensive output to improve.
Future Outlook: Can Geekie Reach 50 Goals?
David Pastrnak's bold prediction of Geekie scoring 50 goals might sound ambitious. However, Geekie is currently on pace for 55 goals this season. Even if his shooting percentage normalizes, increased shot volume and improved 5-on-5 chemistry with Pastrnak could help him reach a new career high.
A 40-plus goal season seems well within reach. Such a performance would solidify his status as a premier scorer and fully validate the confidence shown in his long-term contract.
Why Geekie's Game Has Evolved
- Improved shot accuracy: He is consistently hitting the net and finding openings.
- Increased confidence: His willingness to shoot more reflects a belief in his abilities.
- Powerful shot: His ability to generate high-velocity shots makes him a threat from anywhere.
- Instinctive goal-scorer: He has a natural knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Geekie's continued scoring surge is one of the most compelling storylines this season. His development from a bottom-six forward to a legitimate offensive threat underscores the unpredictable nature of player progression in professional sports.