[GranteedEV]

Of Neal's 12 pts, two stand out as what will need to happen for Neal to get on a roll.





Just quick hitting, skilled plays from his linemates on the forecheck.

Expecting him to cycle like a Sedin or rush the puck like a Kessel is probably not realistic. He needs a fast, playmaking linemate, preferably two. Even Tkachuk is not that guy because he likes to cycle and slow the game down. Likewise Jankowski. Probably likewise Monahan for different reasons.

Frolik, Gaudreau, Bennett, Backlund... these are the guys Neal can succeed with. One of our most effective lines statistically was actually Bennett-Backlund-Neal. Frolik-Backlund-Neal also looked good last game.

But assuming 3M stays together, I think Dube, Bennett and Neal had what it took together but Dube wasn't ready for center. Letting Bennett and Dube swap defensive duties might have given Neal a totally different season.