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 25 or more games this season (and are still 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: 14 – The amount of goals Ribeiro scored this season when the Stars were either trailing or tied.
The Good: After failing to crack 70 points last season for the first time in three years, Ribeiro enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2010-11. Behind Brad Richards and Loui Eriksson, Ribeiro was the most consistent point producer (.87 points per game) this season for Dallas, and his 54 assists were the seventh-best in the NHL. Ribeiro had a knack this season for scoring in ‘clutch’ moments, and the Stars were 14-2-2 when he recorded a multi-point game. There was also a physical edge to his game that we had not seen before.
The Bad: From the way his season started, you had to wonder if Ribeiro was ever going to score a goal. He went scoreless for the first sixteen games of the season, but not for a lack of trying. The sheer amount of post dingers and misses on gaping nets started to drive fans almost as crazy as it did to Mike himself. The poor guy couldn’t catch a break. There were also numerous times throughout the season where Ribeiro’s focus defensively could have been questioned.
The Bottom Line: A healthy bounce-back year for Ribeiro. The old chemistry with Brenden Morrow resurfaced with great results this season. Ribeiro looked stronger and more confident than he did the previous season, and it showed on the ice. The only question that remains is whether or not Mike Ribeiro can handle the number-one center duties if/when Brad Richards departs. We’ll try and answer that question here on DBD in the coming weeks.
The Vote: Rate Ribeiro 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.
And after the jump, the most memorable moment in Ribeiro’s season….
How did Mike Ribeiro perform in 2010-2011?
| A | 125 |
| B | 179 |
| C | 24 |
| D | 5 |
| F | 1 |