How many players a year get 60 points without power play points?
Kakko has a near zero chance of 60 points without PP.
There were 6 players last year who got 60 points at 5v5.
Mackinnon at 79 (17.28 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Mcdavid at 73 (16.53 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Kucherov at 67 (16.47 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Matthews at 61 (15.80 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Panarin at 60 (15.63 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Pastrnak at 60 (15.10 minutes at 5v5 per game)
Laf in 23-24 (15.27minutes at 5v5 per game ) at 42
Kakko in 23-24 (11.92 minutes at 5v5) with 2 of the worst offensive centers ever.
Kakko in 22-23 32 points at 5v5 (13.61 minutes at 5v5)
The numbers bear it out, when kakko has a center capable of moving the puck offensively (chytil) he's not far from Laf's numbers with points/60 at even strength, and he puts up significantly better defensive numbers.
Feed them both ice time, and they'll get even better.
Sorry, when you said "that's not what the data says" I thought you were referring to his line outplaying their matchups
I mean that is what the data says, that his line outplays their matchups, significantly. almost 3:1.
The eye test shows that as well.
But we've also played 4 games (2 bubble playoff teams, 1 young fast team who is playing very well)
Toronto will be a much better test.