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Sam Bennett Turnover
The guy seems to be a lightning rod for good and bad on a regular basis, so his start to this season should come as no surprise.
Early he needed more ice time and fans clamoured for a move up the roster.
Then he got the opportunity, it didn’t last long and he took two penalties that led to an over time loss.
Last night another silly penalty and a terrible toe drag turnover that created a three on two for the Stars and the game’s first goal.
To me the solution is simple. His identity is an up and down guy that is tough to play against. Simplify the puck game, up the energy and just let the points come. He’s killing himself with some bad decision making.
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And that, right there, is the rub with where he can play. Its why he has to be limited to the minutes he plays in a game and why he simply isnt a 2nd liner. His hockey IQ is flat out low.
Same silly junior move that turns the puck over repeatedly, same stupid penalties.
This is year 5 now....and same things he was given a "rookie pass" for even as late as last year. Not good enough to play the PP and certainly unable to help on the pk. He has been given "better line mates" as was the refrain from many. Same results.
So where does he slot in realistically? 10-12 minutes a night at ES and very little more? Thats bordering on 4th line duties.
I honestly dont know what to do with the guy but I do know that less is more with him. Problem is they have little choice in moving him down because anyone else that would take his spot is even worse offensively.
I still wish they would let him watch 2 or 3 games from up top and make him practice his way back into the lineup. Let Czarnik take his spot. It couldnt be any worse, though whoever has to carry Lucic on that line will look worse than they are, but it is what it is and they have to adapt.