Quote:
Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern
Especially if he finds himself away from Backlund and Frolik, I'm almost expecting Tkachuk to see a dip in production this year. Would probably be my choice for a player on our team to take a step back (production wise) instead of a choice for a breakout season.
Many posters called Bennett to have a breakout last year during training camp, before...the start of the season. I'm excited to see him this training camp, and compare the explosiveness compared with his performance last fall
|
I don't think you can break up 3M unless you have to. Unlike their previous LWers, Tkachuk can actually drive possession for Backlund and Frolik. You see it too all the time, particularly watching live - he makes all these little unspectacular plays that result in the puck moving up ice.
From Hayne's
"Need to Have Backlund" article:
Quote:
Only three players last year registered a SAT% Close of > 52% while also having a zone start percentage of < 36%.
LW Matthew Tkachuk CGY, 53.62 SAT% Close, 35.02 ZS%
C Mikael Backlund CGY, 53.24 SAT% Close, 35.50 ZS%
C Ryan Kesler ANA, 53.17 SAT% Close, 33.69 ZS%
|
Pity that we don't have super WOWY anymore to look more in depth as how much of an effect he had on Backs/Frolik. But looks like he got buried slightly more than Backs did and had slightly better results. That's incredible for a rookie.