Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
In my view, the issue is systemic namely because its statistically unlikely that each of the players in our bottom six would regress so rapidly at the same time. Below shows the points each player would have assuming 82 games played in each season. Note the massive regression of every player over the past year!
|
One thing that stood out immediately to me that you didn't address is the age factor. 4 of the 5 guys you have a track record for are at an age and point in their career where it would be surprising if they
didn't have some regression. Bennett, to me anyway, is the only guy whose decline is really surprising, but that could have something to do with being expected to play with guys that have lost a step and are unable to keep up with an increasingly quick NHL game.
I think a lot of people on the boards here are too afraid to look at splitting up the 3M line, but I think it might be just what the team needs. Backlund and Frolik have a history of playing well with whoever gets slotted in with them, and I think some time on their wing might be just what Bennett needs. I feel like Tkachuk has the ability to be the guy to carry a line, and I think having him with Janko on the 3rd line could make that a more competitive line. Get some speed from Stockton on the 4th, and we might look better right off the bat.