Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
The issue with Kent, and some of the other stats guys, is that they take possession stats as the end all, be all.
Sure Gaudreau has the 4th best possession, he is also playing extremely sheltered minutes though and has look very tentative on the ice.
Plus the frequency of games (including a bout with the flu), which is much different for a college player, and it was also noted in here that Johnny frequently looks out of breath on the bench.
This is not Johnny being punished for poor play, or a shot at him as a hockey player. It is a natural step in the process of him becoming a pro.
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Why are you assuming that KW is taking those stats purely at face value?
He never implied that Gaudreau was the 4th best player on the team. He knows as well as anyone that Gaudreau is being given easier minutes
He's just pointing out that he's actually performed rather admirably in those minutes and really, there's no reason for him to be scratched. The Flames do not have assets that can be put in Gaudreau's position and perform better. It just doesn't make sense.
And can we please stop this "if you're a stats guy, you are an idiot because you don't actually watch the game" mantra? Would you have rather KW tweeted "Gaudreau is playing pretty well; shouldn't be scratched"? How is that any better?