Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
Gaudreau was up ice with him as well. The trailing man for the Oilers wasn't even involved in the goal. It was a rapid play back up the ice with Poolparty and McDavid doing a quick give and go.
You're on a witch hunt at this stage. The 1-1 goal, he pretty passively challenges the point shot - fair criticism - but we're not talking about that. We're talking about Poolparty's goal, which to say was his fault is an absolute joke. Lindholm and Tanev BOTH made a mistake, and Lindholm even knew it. When you've got McDavid and someone rushing up at you, and two players both get beat (Tanev and Lindholm), you're in trouble.
To say it was because Bennett's rebound came out an unfortunate angle that allowed for a quick transition that the goal against was caused by him is ridiculous in this situation. You're just looking for reasons to blame him.
Bennett flat out hasn't been good this year - which, before Saturday, he shared that in common with the majority of Flames forwards. On this play though? That goal against is not caused by him in any real way.
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So if I back off my language a hair, and instead of using a word like "fault" I make a claim like "Here's why we might have concerns about this guy's awareness and effectiveness at 5 on 5." we'd all agree. Yeah, the trailing man did not score that goal. But he was wide open, and easily could have. Did Bennett make an effort to get back and cover that dangerous situation? No. Is the goal his "fault"? No a bunch of other guys blew stuff
too.
I'm honestly not witch-hunting here, as I said, I love the guy, I want him to blossom and explode and be a force out there, he can be. But what I see is penalties, poor execution, and frankly just trying SO hard to be awesome that he's gripping the stick a bit. I'm glad as hell he scored, and whether he's a good fit for Johnny and Monny I do not have any idea. I've wondered at his usage or lack of it, just as a I wonder at the current usage of guys like Lucic in critical situations.
But I really don't think the Flames are holding him back. I think the whole organization wants nothing but for him to learn to play a complete game and be smart and effective. He clearly sees himself as more than just that (and pressure's on a high pick to be more). The trouble is, having 5 great games a season isn't what the league is about.