Yeah, I'd be hesitant to break up the top 2 pairs as well as they're playing, but I'd like to see them try switching up the pairs to have both Jones and Lundkvist in the lineup. Think they're both already clearly better than Nemeth, Hajek, and Tinordi, and will only get better. However, probably can't get paired together, so would try:
Yeah, most dynamic skill players usually prefer their off wing so it's weird that he doesn't.
Yeah, there is a knack Laf has for being able to finish. Everyone likes to talk down his goals like they're easy but after years of watching players miss wide open nets (Chytil and Strome are both notorious for it and are currently on the same team) being able to finish is a very real skill. Laf also always finding himself in those spots is not an accident, that's also a skill. A goal is a goal, they all count the same. It's not like at the end of the year people will be like "Well Lafreniere scored 25 goals but 10 of them were wide open nets so do they really count?"
You could be worse off. In my eyes he's a solid GM and he cares about the team more than just seeing it as a business. Those kind of GMs are rare.
Agreed on the criticism that only Laf scores open goals. Everyone is free to score empty netters, they also count, but it's mostly Laf doing it. Hmm, I wonder why? Maybe because he is starting to find his sense of timing and positioning? He has a good shot if he gets space. Now he's starting to find space. A player can score with his ass for all I'm concerned if he gives 100%.
Chytil also has a good shot. He may be destined for the wing where life is simpler.
Agreed 100%. He could score 10 empty net goals, and I'd still count them. I don't care if he scores pretty or just finishes off the hard work of his teammates with a casual tap-in goal. All of it is valuable.
Yes he did. No mention of the Rooney brain fart on the pk that forced Geo to make the save on McD. Rooney because he pots a few goals is overrated on this Board. I want to see Barron with Hunt and Reaves, and Reaves scratched against teams where we can go without his presence. Reeves is responsible for much of the time his line spends in the D zone; too slow with poor puck skills.
Expect to receive a letter from him if you’re a season ticket holder.
Koskinen was bad, but it's hard to win if you only score 1 goal. When McDavid and Draisaitl aren't rolling, they are absolute trash.
Not to be a negative Nelson, but has any team ever retained 50% for 3+ years?
One of the only times I screamed at my TV last night (I know, right?) was when he passed up an awesome chance in the slot. But that awareness will come with time.
