Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Last night was prime Bennett usage IMO.
Saw time with all three bottom lines depending on the situation. Wasn't utilized on the PP as much of a distributor, more just swooping around the offensive zone faceoff circles looking to pressure or clean up garbage.
I like Bennett getting the occasional shift with Tkachuk.
The emotional beacon hathaway/bennett/tkachuk/hamonic bring occasionally needs to be lit by one of the others and I feel like that's the biggest contribution Bennett makes when playing with Tkachuk, helps light his fire.
When he's going, give him spot duty through the lineup.
You can win with Mike Smith, you just need to score 4+ goals per game. If the flames can add another scorer to solidy having the most potent top 6 group in the league, you could win a cup with Smith in net.
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re: bolded.
It was Bennett's quick pass from the halfwall to Andersson that set up the point shot that became his first goal.
It was also Bennett's pass from around the halfwall/goalline to Andersson that set up the point shot that became Neal's goal. I believe the entry on that goal also came on Bennett's stick right through the middle.
Bennett was also the guy who got Ryan the puck initially on the breakout on his second goal.
To add, he had a pretty good near-assist to Hanifin where the goalie robbed 55.
I'd argue that's the most distributing Bennett has been expected to do all season compared to the netfront role he was playing earlier where Backlund was in a distribution role. He got a lot more actual touches without Backlund cannibalizing his role. Touches through the middle and on the wall, not just board battles on the wings and behind the net.