Quote:
Originally Posted by Kovaz
If we're going to focus on goals over chances, you have to also give Bennett credit for massively improving the Tkachuk line's shutdown ability. Tkachuk away from Bennett has 3.07 GF/60 and 3.07 GA/60, while with Bennett he's at 2.22 GF/60 and 2.22 GA/60. With Backlund at C they're at 2.59 GF/60 and 1.56 GA/60. For comparison, Tkachuk-Backlund-Neal comes in with a horrific 1.21 GF/60 and 3.62 GA/60, and Tkachuk-Backlund-Czarnik is decent enough at 2.58 GF/60 and 2.58 GA/60.
So although Bennett does suppress Tkachuk's point totals, he's also been a big part of improving that line's defensive ability. If we're going to continue to use Tkachuk in a shutdown role with Backlund, looking strictly at point totals misses an important part of the picture.
|
I definitely agree Bennett helps with suppressing offense. In my tkachuk thread I pointeed out that the flames were middle of the pack in Goals Against prior to Bennett's promotion and since he's been there, the flames are 4th best in the league.
However, with Backlund out, I don't see that trend continuing, so tangible offense becomes that much more important and is where Bennett clearly struggles the most.
Tkachuk Backlund Bennett work as a line.
Tkachuk-Bennett don't work as a pairing.
IMO, of course.