Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
Ideally for sure ...
as I said though, the NHL on average isn't that productive. 33 points last year made you the sixth best forward on the worst team. But your point stands it would be great if Bennett started to finish his chances and pushed to a 35-40 point season.
But if he doesn't he's still the best fit I've seen on that second line with Backlund/Tkachuk in his present state.
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Why is it that suggesting a guy on a trend for 8 goals and less than 20 points is more like Hathaway, is hyperbole, but suggesting that if he "just finishes" he's a 35-40 point player is not? That type of production would see a 50% increase in his production from last season, be a career high, and a dramatic improvement over his trend. Seems that prediction is more hyperbolic.
Bennett needs to start scoring or he will be moved off the second line. Its as simple as that. You can't give a guy premium ice time, power play time, and opportunities to score, and watch as that player doesn't produce. A second line player needs to score. All the heart, hustle, and banging don't mean much if the line can't convert and score goals. If Bennett can't produce, you have to give other players an opportunity to finish. You have to try and get a proven guy like James Neal going as well.