While I do think there are legitimate reasons as to why Gaudreau started off slowly, I don't think his finger or his conditioning are to blame at this point in time in the season.
I am of the opinion that it is system-related at this point (given the lack of scoring from the other skilled players on the team).
Either the system doesn't allow enough creativity to make those high-percentage shots happen with enough frequency
or
The skilled players are still finding their niche so to speak between a very structured system and having their own creativity blend with the system.
I don't really believe much in 'luck' - at least not outside an occasional circumstance. I do really like how stifling the system is at times for the opponents, and how much zone time the Flames seem to enjoy for long periods of time, but I do question how many prime opportunities they are really getting out of it. I think at this point, you just keep going with it and see what happens. The Flames this year haven't played consistently enough (IMO) to prove that the system is good or bad for them.
I think this is an adjustment phase, and quite frankly a targeted-attack season on Johnny's hands that perhaps he hasn't ever had to deal with at this level (and what I mean is at this frequency).
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