of fwds with similar TOI as scheifele (1072 mins or 90% of scheifeles), he was 2nd worst out 87 fwds in xGA/60 which accounts for the missed gp. usually KC isn't far behind (ofc they play together lots). And this is on a team that was good defensively (11th best) vs a team like PIT (27th worst).
i don't think anyone thought crosby was great defensively last year, the stats didn't bear that out ie:
im not super worried about xGF b/c they are usually good finishers so perhaps lower quality shots have a good chance of going in (think laine). although, i do think scheifele should be more selfish & shooting more b/c of his lethal shot. so from an standpoint, that would raise his SOGs, Corsi, xGF etc. been saying this for years since he's been like a 15% shooter at 5v5 however at v low shot volume.
most years despite being 30-40 goal scorers they're marginal in terms of 5v5 +/-, asides from 1-month last year which drove essentially drove scheifele to a +14, the prior few seasons he was -3, 0, +2, and KC: 0, +1, -3, -2.... and that's with the best regular-season goaltender behind them.
just looking at last year; 40 goal scorers on teams with top-half team goaltending were
+15, +17, +15, +11, +27, +25
idk maybe someone has examples of SC winners or succesful PO teams of having a similar top-line in terms of goal-differential