Quote:
Originally Posted by pepper24
I don't see how Gulutzen is responsible for the 3rd line being terrible. No points and costing the team games.
Bennett needs to move to 4th line or press box. Center or wing he's struggled. Lazar is 4th line or press box as well. The issue then is who do we move onto 3rd line. Versteeg yes. Brouwer not sure if any better. Stajan, Hamilton, Glass are 4th line players. Jagr returning could help the 3rd line. Jankowski has been just ok and not making a strong case to stay up with zero points.
You can break up our top 2 lines to spread out but a struggling Bennett isn't going to help that unless he can help himself. He's the problem.
None of this is on Gulutzan.
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I understand and acknowledge your opinion but disagree. I won't pretend to have any idea if Gulutzan is to blame for the 3rd line or Bennett's progression, or lack thereof.
However, this kid had loads of talent and was even showing it in early glimpses at the nhl level. It has kind of disappeared over the past year. I think it's in the flames interest to do whatever they can to have Bennett succeed. He is a critical piece to the rebuild. So I'm totally fine to see him make get, perhaps unwarranted, time in the top 6. I don't mind the line with him and jagr/Jankowski but ones a rookie and the other may be too old. Get him some prime skill players and I feel like his skill will definitely start to show/flourish.
I am still a strong believer that he's a player in a similar mold as Kadri. He can be extremely effective in providing offense and at the same time a gritty nuisance to play against. When he lacks confidence, both those areas of his game can disappear.