My thoughts on this.
1. I think this team is in a tricky situation in this regard. Like say we added like a "Taylor Hall", I am not sure it would help one bit (which in itself isn't a controversial statement, how many examples haven't we seen of teams adding a scorer at the deadline and scoring less after it?).
2. In general terms, I think our problems
basically boils down to us not really being speedy enough at center ice. Chytil and Ziba are only a threat if they get the puck in the right areas after they have built up speed. I've commented on this many times before, and everyone know that I wasn't a big Quinn fan, but this is the area I always gave him credit for. Quinn and we as a team did a great job getting the puck to Ziba in the right areas. This is from a post I made in March 2019.
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Consequently, when we tried to play Tortorella hockey x2 under Quinn, right after TDA was tossed -- Ziba's scoring totally went down the drain. So much was made of Covid fatigue and what not.
Facts are that our transition game is a bit more straight forward under Gallant and it is showing a lot for Ziba. It´s not rocket science, Ziba starts deep in this own end, if we can get the puck up to a winger it will push the defenders back, if we then can get the puck back to Ziba who have had time to build up speed he is a formidable threat streaking down the ice against defenders who have been forced to slow down their back check a bit to get in synch with the wave of attack Ziba leads. If the winger OTOH always moves the puck up ice, we play more of a N-S game, Ziba never get the puck in these areas. And isn't that exactly what we are seeing? Most of that lines offense comes from circles down low, and they are not super effective there.
There are pro's and con's with every thing. By playing a bit more N-S we under-utilize the threat guys like Ziba and Chytil can be at center ice. But you also become a more consistent team with fewer breakdowns. Gallant is no Hitler in this regard, we are trying to find the right balance, and are err'ing on the side of caution.
3. So now we have established why especially Ziba and Chytil aren't regular threats 5 on 5.
When are we dangerous?
It's not like we are a toothless team. (a) We are always dangerous when the other team has a defensive break down. When we get a odd man rush. (b) We are always able to get Panarin the puck -- Why? See, Panarin doesn't need to get the puck at high speed. He can be gliding in the wrong direction, turn up ice and set off -- and Panarin locks things up himself. (c) We are always dangerous when Fox gets the puck. (d) Our PP is dangerous.
At the bottom line, this is enough to be a good team in this league. Hence why Gallant isn't messing with things too much. 100%. Even during that ugly away stint, he knew we as a team on balance were leaning in the right direction.
4. Precisely,
when are we not dangerous?
I would say that if none of the following conditions are fullfilled, we are not a dangerous team.
(a) The opposing team breaks down defensively and we get a odd man rush.
(b) Panarin has the puck.
(c) Fox has the puck.
(d) We are on the PP.
Consequently, we are very flat when our first line plays against a strong collected D. As is the case when our 3rd is on the ice.
5.
What is the fix?
Lol a long story short, this is why I don't think getting a forward that can score would help much. I think we must get a player or two that can help us becoming a threat when facing a collected D. Guys that can carry the puck and create havoc by challenging Ds. Much more Vinnie Hinostroza than Phil Kessel if you get what I mean. Gourde would be perfect.
6.
OTOH, is a fix really needed?
I think it is important to remember that we on the balance of things has an opportunity to win a lot more games than we don't. I see no point in "fixing" one area while making us worse in another. To make this review complete, it should be mentioned that we don't really have any line or unit that ever "cost" us games on a regular basis.
But to go all the way, I think changes must be made.
