There are many things you can be critical of at this point. I dont like to be negative because these guys are pro as they come and Im a big fan. With that said this is a message board and it is what happens when you sit through some of these boring games. Id like to leave guys like King and Lewis out of this because they are for the most part doing what they are supposed to. Of course they could chip in more points but it is far from the main issue.
My view is that Doughty is playing his worst hockey and not many really want to mention it. Not sure if all the success went to his head or what but he has lost track of what has made him effective. With the huge windups for the worlds fastest slapshot and extra spinoramas like hes a figure skater. Hes not the best shooter or skater or stickhandler, hes the best hockey player and he needs to get back to that simple game and intensity that made him the best player on the ice. Hes even been leaving guys open in front of his net and also cleanly getting burned a lot and its time to cut his ice time until he can handle the minutes. Im not even sure his game has been all that great since hes gotten the Ryan Suter ice time treatment anyway. Its a bit silly. The defense looks better than it has in the last couple years and the other guys can handle all situations. Besides Green there is no one that needs sheltering. Muzzin and Martinez can be better but I dont think they are a consistent problem by any means.
Kopitar has maybe played too much hockey the past couple years and is playing like an overworked mule. With that said Kopitar at his worst is still a positive force and is in no way hurting the team. But we all know what hes capable of. Maybe he is still hurt...
My thinking is Toffoli has not regressed like some have mentioned. He had a really hot start and though I cant remember the particular game, he got his bell rung. His production declined after that and just a couple weeks after that game he took another hit and was out if the lineup for good. When hes healthy I imagine hell be scoring again.
Gaborik is getting his pace back and should be good for some goals on the road trip.
Budaj has been great most nights. If Quick was healthy they would have a good 4-7 more wins than they do now but we can leave this subject alone as it is what it is.
Carter, Pearson, Nolan, Brown, Dowd, Forbort, and Gravel are playing great hockey. I do not base this on points or stats, just by watching. Whether they score or not they are at least playing hard and creating time and space for their teammates and are bringing energy on a daily basis.
Everyone else not mentioned are playing their part as expected. But no more or no less.
I like Ladues game a lot and expect him on the team next year. Maybe that makes a roster d-man tradable but no one from the cup teams have been moved so its hard to read the situation. I also wonder that Kempe and Mersch either get called up this year or they are moved.
Anyways these are some of my thoughts at the halfway mark but in reality I dont know a thing about nothing. Just shootin the breeze. Peace people!
