I honestly can't figure Petey out. He doesn't play like your typical streaky goal scorer. Prior to Green's last couple of months here, Petey did exhibit periods where he wasn't as engaged as he was at his best (where he played like a puck hound) but he was still putting up points so it was overlooked. It was during Green's last few months where we first saw Petey really struggle and where most of us became extremely concerned. And while I believe injuries have played a role in his past struggles, he pretty much instantly turned things around under Boudreau. Then the rationalization came in and there was talk of Petey going back to his old stick flex etc.
I really can't think of a player of Petey's calibre who has gone on these kind of funks absent players who were in long-term and or injury-related decline.
I think Miller is extremely overrated here but the divide isnt really there because I am alone on the other side of the chasm.
How so? When Miller first arrived he drove the Lotto Line. Then in 2021-2022 he move to C full time and has put up 99, 82, and 103 point seasons. Along the way and prior to last year for about a couple of seasons he was heavily criticized here for his defensive play and effort, leadership, and "body language." There were also genuine discussions over whether to trade Miller or Horvat.
Meanwhile, I don't recall meaningful conversation about whether Miller is or could be in the same class as McDavid, Matthews, or [insert genuine Art Ross/Hart contender) because we (collectively) didn't think that. So given the expecations and regardless of his defensive play, he has produced well for a 1C. He also genuinely had a fantastic season last year on his way to a 37 goal 103 point season for one of the better regular season teams in the league.
So if we (collecitvely) aren't saying Miller should be in the conversation for being the best player in the league, how are we "extremely overrat[ing]" Miller here? For reference, Miller's 99 point and 103 point seasons were good enough for 9th in league scoring those years.