Its kind of funny how what you think is automatic couldn't be further from the truth.
I thought coming into this season, the difference would be secondary scoring. lines 2 and 3 really needed to take the pressure away from Gaudreau and Monahan. Well here we are and the top 2 forwards on the team are struggling mightily. If it wasn't for the secondary players, the record would be even worse. Those guys need to get going ASAP.
With all the bellyaching about the 2 high profile UFA's signed in the past 2 years. Frolik and Brouwer have been among the best forwards thus far.
Ferland may fit into a Gulutzan team better than he fits in to a Hartley team. Or maybe he is just starting to figure it out. He is gaining consistency in his game and its great to see.
By year end, Bennett may be the best forward on the team. You can see it coming. As long as he stays healthy and the learning curve remains steep.
I don't know what to think of the defence. There's the top 3 and they will carry the load for the season. But then there's Kevin who seems to be a top 4, bottom 2 tweener. Engelland who has been a positive surprise this year, but self destructs when played out of place. Then Mr Jekyl and Hyde, Wideman. As much as we all would like it, you can't sit Wideman for the year. When he's playing well he is an average defenceman who is okay on the PP. When he's not playing well he drags down his partner and loses you games. For me it Gio\Brodie---Hamilton\Kevin---Engelland\Kulak\Grossman until the cows come home. I'm not a Wideman hater, he's just too much of a wildcard to be any sort of asset to the everyday lineup.
Most pleasant surprise thus far? Chad Johnson by a country mile.
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