Dallas Stars 2013-14 Season Grades: Alex Goligoski

Once again it's that time of year here on Defending Big D where we take a look at each player that suited up for 20 or more games this season (and finished the season with the team) - and take a look back at their season. What was good about it, what wasn't so good, and the lasting impression they left us as we go into summer.

Key Stat: 42

Alex Goligoski registered 42 points, the second most of his NHL career in a giant rebound season.

The Good:

The Goligoski that found his game midway through the season is the exact player the Stars intended to acquire when they dealt James Neal to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played the most difficult matchups for the Stars defensively. He logged a career high 24:19 of ice time to lead the Stars defense corps. Goligoski led the entire team in average time on ice by over three minutes.

The Bad:

The Stars powerplay was mediocre, and ideally Goligoski would have made more of an impact with the unit. The struggles are far from only his fault, but going forward you would like to see more from him with the extra man.

Bottom Line:

Goligoski grew from whipping boy to key piece in the span of about two months. He has been this talented since the Stars acquired him, and at various times during his tenure he has shown the high end side of his ceiling. For most of the 2014 season Goligoski sustained that level, turning in his best season as a pro to date.

Vote now: Rate Alex on a scale of A to F (A being the best of course) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season

How would you rate Alex Goligoski's 2013-2014 season?