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Originally Posted by Bingo
You're a lot more anti-Bennett than I, and we've gone back and forth on this for years so that shouldn't come as a surprise.
As you can see by my game comments I'm certainly not a Bennett apologist, yet nor am I looking to move the guy to the fourth line or just give up on him.
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I really wish i didn't come across as "anti-Bennett", because i wish he was what.....he should be/could be. I'd much prefer to be seen as pro-Flame and only wanting more from not just him, but anyone in his spot. Like anyone who is fan of the club. It would solve so many issues with the line-up. As you like to point out....slotting.
I do expect more than he has shown, no question. Spurts of really really good hockey in between lengthy stretches of "meh to awful" just isn't good enough.
I do think its time though that fans, and the club accept the reality of things.
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He's a good third liner, probably Calgary's best third liner after Derek Ryan when Ryan gets through his usual cold October.
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That means essentially...he is the 8th best F on the club. Which i do not necessarily disagree with, but a spot on the team that could be improved on, especially at the price point.
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He's an effective player when he stays in his lane, and I think that's the key for the coaching staff. He came in with ideas of moving up the lineup and it hasn't happened. His desire to contribute creates both the need to push the issue and take silly penalties and the toe drags to create individual scoring impact that can keep him with better players.
He has to let up on that. Be the two way guy that's tough to play against. Focus defensively. Don't take penalties. Get pucks deep and get in and get them.
Do that and he will build trust and then maybe just maybe he can be the Frolik guy on a second line that provides honest, accountable minutes.
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I really really hope so. The only question is....how long do you wait for it to happen before trying to find someone who can?