Sam Bennett Value: Have the Flames held on TOO long? OR is he awesome?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Ugh. Cogliano as comparable? Duck who is an ex Oiler? F+

[Lanny_McDonald]

So statistically everyone hurts Bennett? Maybe it's not everyone else that is hurting Sam Bennett, and maybe Sam Bennett is just hurting himself? The fancy stats may say one thing (when have they ever been wrong?) but the eyeball test says Bennett makes his linemates worse because of his selfish play and inability to finish. One thing is for certain, Sam Bennett continues to be one of the more polarizing and frustrating players to wear a Flames jersey.

[DeluxeMoustache]

^ Haha. Especially on lengthy stretches of days off. Amazing how bent out of shape people are about him.

[Imported_Aussie]

My take on Bennett is that his junior days he could get away with being better than most of his peers.
Hits the NHL and has some success, but is inconsistent.
In the NHL he is not able to rely on being better/more skilled than his peers, so he needs to play within the team, use his linemates more.
People point to his numbers being dragged down by bad linemates, but that to me is a bit of a cop out.
Of course he played better with Backlund - not because he used his linemate better, but because he had a savvy veteran who does elevate the play of those around him.
One expected a play driver who tilts the ice in his favour when drafting a guy at #4 overall, but Bennett has not taken junior dominance and turned it into strong NHL production as his game has never been about playing with his line, but relying on individual talent/others to bring him in.
It is hard to say whether this will click and he will be able to drive is own line, so what we are left with is a guy who has talent, but needs to be utilized in the right situation to get the most benefit.
Since we know Frolik is not a long term piece on the team, the Flames do need to find a true 6th forward for their top 6. It is indisputable that the top 5 forwards on this team are Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Monahan, Backlund and Lindholm. Neal hasn't grabbed a spot, Frolik has chemistry, but is a short term patch, Dube and Czarnik have upside, but Bennett is further along. So enter Bennett taking a shot in the top 6. This could end up being his best fit on the team, if he is not going to drive his own line, putting him with the two smartest 2 way forwards on the team may be the way to give him the freedom to play his game and feed on chances created. Gaudreau may be the best passer on this team, but his lack of a defensive game would make a line with Bennett a one that needs to be sheltered. We have seen Bennett play well with Gaudreau, and while Tkachuk and Backlund are not at Johnny's level for playmaking, they are arguably the next best 2 guys in that department on this team.

I think we need to change our perspective on Bennett also - he is not a go to guy carrying a line, he is a complimentary piece with skill, and hopefully with the right linemates, can make an impact.

If you want to see guys who drive a line, look to Dube as a long term guy driving the 3rd line. Of all the guys outside that big 5 up front, he is the one who seems to make things happen and bring teammates in the most.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by New Era

So statistically everyone hurts Bennett? Maybe it's not everyone else that is hurting Sam Bennett, and maybe Sam Bennett is just hurting himself? The fancy stats may say one thing (when have they ever been wrong?) but the eyeball test says Bennett makes his linemates worse because of his selfish play and inability to finish. One thing is for certain, Sam Bennett continues to be one of the more polarizing and frustrating players to wear a Flames jersey.

Your eye test ... I'll give you that.

The "fancy" stats actually match what I see ... which is this season whatever line Bennett is one seems to spend more time in the offensive zone than they do in their own zone.

That's a good thing ... I wish the guy could finish, I hope that improves, but at the very least he seems to be a player that helps keep the puck up the ice, doesn't give up all that much and generates scoring chances.

And I agree about polarizing ... I could literally launch Bennettpuck.com and do just as well.

[Bingo]

Peters on Bennett ...

“He’s played real well — he’s generated consistent chances, especially here recently,” said Flames head coach Bill Peters of Bennett. “He’s played very hard. He’s been competitive, a complete player. He hasn’t given up much. His analytic numbers are very good.

“Unfortunately, he’s been snakebit … He hasn’t caught many breaks offensively, but if he keeps playing the way he is, I think that will change.”

Wonder where we've seen all that before?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Wonder where we've seen all that before?

Babcock on Nazem Kadri?

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Your eye test ... I'll give you that.

The "fancy" stats actually match what I see ... which is this season whatever line Bennett is one seems to spend more time in the offensive zone than they do in their own zone.

That's a good thing ... I wish the guy could finish, I hope that improves, but at the very least he seems to be a player that helps keep the puck up the ice, doesn't give up all that much and generates scoring chances.

And I agree about polarizing ... I could literally launch Bennettpuck.com and do just as well.

BP: Fire on Ice - an entire forum dedicated to Sam Bennett

BP: Off-Topic Forum - cool/funny pics of Sam Bennett’s facial hair


This could really take off...

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

BP: Fire on Ice - an entire forum dedicated to Sam BennettMark Jankowski

ftfy

[P-DAZZLE]

This story can't even be contained within one sport any more!

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/oth...y-up-1.3699384

[Moneyhands23]

I really hope Peter's gives him 5 full games on the 2nd line. Maybe even 10.

Gotta throw him a bone and hope he can produce.

[mrdonkey]

Originally Posted by P-DAZZLE

This story can't even be contained within one sport any more!

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/oth...y-up-1.3699384

The trials and tribulations of Sam Bennet have gone international!

[Red]

So Bennet's agent is talking to Tre and he is now on the 2nd line.

I hate starting rumours, but is it possible that he is being showcased?

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Red

So Bennet's agent is talking to Tre and he is now on the 2nd line.

I hate starting rumours, but is it possible that he is being showcased?

If it was a showcase I think he would be up on the 1st line.

[Red]

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

If it was a showcase I think he would be up on the 1st line.

True, but the coach still wants to win games. He can only disrupt so much.

It's probably nothing, but just got me thinking.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Red

True, but the coach still wants to win games. He can only disrupt so much.

It's probably nothing, but just got me thinking.

I think its logical that a trade/back up plan is in the works if Smith cant get on track soon, so ya any move or change could be "something".

[Strange Brew]

I don’t believe players get showcased. I mean there is logic to it but I really don’t believe it happens that way.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Red

So Bennet's agent is talking to Tre and he is now on the 2nd line.

I hate starting rumours, but is it possible that he is being showcased?

It’s possible both sides agreed he deserves more ice time.

[SeanCharles]

Bennett played awesome tonight as did the whole 2nd line.


Although pretty much the whole team, except for one, looked strong.

Keep that line in tact for a while and I think it will pay dividends.

[Ped]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

Bennett played awesome tonight.

And no points.


Pretty much his perpetual story.