Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadaMatt
So do you think you guys have succeeded in your attempts to deflect criticism of James Neal? ...or does the campaign still have some more tricks up its sleeve?
Should we get this back on the thread topic.
From this point forward, what is a pass for #18 in the regular season?
10 more goals (total 13)
20 more points (total 27)
-10 (even from this point forward)
Is that considered success?
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First I gotta say that if you want people to discuss with you the way you frame it. When you ask if people have "succeeded in your attempts to deflect criticism of James Neal" it doesn't invite actual conversation.
But in interest progressing things. I think Neal is helping with the culture of this team - which did seem to need re-shaping.
And the team is doing well.
But the fact is he's paid to produce and he's not.
The season to this point is a sunk cost. The team is scoring enough and winning regularly. For me - I think where I need to see him really step up is in the playoffs. If he scores some big goals, that will wipe out an otherwise terrible year.