Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
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.
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First off ... never said he'd be a 35 or 40 point player so yeah ... your comparison was hyperbolic.
But who replaces him then? He had 4 points in 17 games and was promoted to the second line, so clearly you're wrong in this case right? He was given the premium ice time and moved up to the second line despite not producing. The proof is kind of in the now at this point.
They tried Neal there first and it didn't work. With Bennett it's working.
This isn't a hard working replacement player on a second line. The player is creating all kinds of chances, which isn't scoring, but it certainly at least holds more promise for improvement than playing a plug in that spot.