Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
I dunno Jiri. That question sounds a lot like asking if Connor McDavid is good enough because the Oilers are still bad.
Gaudreau, Monahan, Gio and Hamilton are definitely good enough. So is Tkachuk, and he's still cheap. And they could be better if they were utilized properly. Hamilton and Tkachuk being added to the top PP unit at a far earlier time could very well have translated to more goals and more wins.
The bigger issue is the supporting cast. Backlund and Frolik took steps back - which should have been expected given the years they were coming off of. Bennett started off abysmally, largely because of improper usage and has remained inconsistent. Though when 35% of his ice time at 5 on 5 is with Hathaway and Brouwer - neither of whom generate offence - There is perhaps not much of a surprise there. I don't think you could have asked much more of Jankowski this year. The fourth line has been abysmal. On defence, the Brodie-Hamonic pairing just hasn't worked. Third pair has been solid for what it is.
IMO, improve that supporting cast, but most especially, improve the system and player usage, and yes, you have a team that easily makes the playoffs.
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Sorry I just don't agree, for the reasons that Cliff outlines and that I expanded on.
Edit: I should clarify I agree that supporting cast needs to be materially improved. But I also am beginning to worry that the top end of the team doesn't offer enough of a complete game.