I've thought for the majority of the games he's played this season that he's been one of the most creative and dangerous looking forwards on the team. Perhaps defensively, he's not used to the responsibility he must learn to handle in this league, but honestly I've had very few issues with the guy. Even with a lack of conditioning, he's stuck out better than other regular NHLers at times, and made some incredibly intelligent and skilled plays in the offensive zone. And it's undeniable that he helped Hudler's game early in the season. Until this past week, there was at least a couple moments in every game he played that made me say "wow, that was aweseome", "I can't believe he just did that"..which few other Flames do on a regular basis.
What was it.. 7 points in 13 games before all the benching?
For the circumstances, he's actually been really, quite good.
Not nearly enough justification for what they did. He absolutely helps the team, so long as he's with the right line mates. Not like team defense has been a strong suit anyways, being what..28th in the league? Dumb.
|