Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
I think Tkachuk would outperform Ferland on the top line.
What effect that has on the other three lines is debatable, but in a vacuum, Tkachuk is the best option for the top line winger.
Tkachuk has 17 goals and 36 pts to Ferlands 31 pts. Putting Tkachuk with the Assist Machine Gaudreau would certainly increase his offensive output.
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Heres the issue I have with that... Players aren't necessarily able to just swap sides of the ice and play the same style of games.
A left handed shot on the left side is able to protect the puck a bit better and get the puck down-low. One of the main reason that Johnny hasnt been moved to the right side and Tkachuk moved up to the top line left wing (which I wouldnt mind seeing).
But their play styles are too similar in wanting to get behind the net with the puck. To me, both Johnny and Matty seem to both thrive when trying to make plays from behind the net. This is, in my opinion, where I feel they clash.
What makes Ferland work so well is that he appears to excel along the half boards and cutting through the middle like a knife and over powering defenders. Matty can do that to an extent but his natural or default appears to be to get to behind the net so he is able to better protect the puck and make a play. This style compliments Backs and Fro, who like Monny and Ferly like to play more from the half boards to the front of the net.
But at this point mixing them all up, but with a sense of purpose, certainly wouldnt hurt anything... But that doesnt mean throwing Brouwer back in that top 6 and demoting Ferly to the 3rd line.
I dont disagree that Matty would be more productive on the top line, but that comes with the risk of that second line not being as productive. And no that doesnt indicate Ferland is inferior... It indicates that playing styles actually do matter when it comes to pairing players.