Yes, goal scoring was an issue in the summer, and remains an issue.
But it has been pointed out on this site numerous times that Gulutzan plays the fourth line as much or more than any other team plays theirs. and our 4th line, despite some changes, has been one of the weakest in the league throughout the season. One obvious and immediate way to improve goal scoring is play your top 9 more and your 4th line less.
Improving the PP wouldn't hurt either.
But most importantly, it is known by everyone that follows hockey that the strength of this team is on the blue-line. And yet production from the blue-line is way down, and not on pace for the key 150 point barrier that playoff teams typically achieve. This is yet another example of how the roster isn't being properly utilized. Here is the point production from defensemen for the last 4 years:
14/15: 195 points
15/16: 203
16/17: 176
17/18: 136 (pace)
I doubt there is anyone on this site that thinks this is about what we should have expected from the D this year.
And saying Hamonic doesn't move the needle is bizarre to me. I have never seen a hockey team that was too good on defence. Championship teams almost invariably have great defenses.
The problem with this team isn't a lack of scoring, it's mis-appropriation of assets. They are not utilizing the roster properly. Saying the team isn't that talented just ignores the issues that are staring us in the face.
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