Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
He's become one of the best forwards on the team for his play down low as he's physical and almost dogged in how hunts down defenders in the corners and behind the net.
Where he seems to really hurt himself is by forcing things or refusing to take the easy play when he's carrying the puck.
If I was coaching him I'd just focus on grey zone turnovers, how many games can you go without one. That would have him getting pucks deep and not thinking so much when he's attacking.
Once the puck is behind the defender he's one of the best to go in and cause mayhem.
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I agree that Sam Bennett does play with a lot of physicality and is a dog on a bone when hunting down defenders. But with that said, I disagree that he's one of the best on the team as he and his line have an extremely difficult time dumping in the puck and successfully recovering the puck. Too many times I've seen them dump the puck in and attempt to track down the puck only to fail and end up chasing the play.
That's one of this line's biggest issues. The line isn't talented enough to enter the zone while possessing the puck and if they can't successfully retrieve the puck from a dump in, then all they're good for is constantly chasing the game, taking penalties or taking in water all game long. I am a little more optimistic with Jagr on this line though, he created chances for that line with his cycle game and strength and play-making ability along the boards. This is why I believe Sam Bennett still has potential, when he plays with some one who can do that type of heavy lifting, then he has better opportunities to display some of that high end skill.