Quote:
Originally Posted by timbit
Is it fair or accurate to use 31 teams’ individual stats as your gauge when you’re talking about 3rd line players after you finish second in the NHL over 82 games( large sample size)?
Wouldn’t you want to compare the Flames 3rd line players stats with comparable teams (let’s say say top 6-8 teams in the NHL)?
Yes, I know Flames were disappointing in the playoffs and Bennett was above average in 5 games and Gaudreau finished with one assist. That small sample size doesn’t change the fact that Gaudreau is a far more valuable player than Bennett.
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Some called him a fourth liner ... was pretty easy to bring up the averages to suggest he's not.
Is he a fourth liner in Calgary?
He could be, but to be he would need to be passed by three players from the current roster given his production rates, chance rates and intangibles from last year.
Down the road for sure though. I think Mangiapane and Dube have a chance to supplant him. I think Derek Ryan is a better overall player now but playing on the fourth line with special teams.
Without a lot of change though they may be building a third line around Bennett and Ryan.