Larry really does have you guys wrapped around his finger. No wonder they have a subscription service he writes for too, might as well not just get clicks, get subs too.
Panarin is playing with Strome, who can't score on empty nets and Dryden Hunt who can't score period.
We complained about Fast on RW with those two. We complained about Blackwell on a line with those two. Both players are legit hockey players. Fast and Blackwell are good 3rd line NHL players. They bring something to the table. They read the play, have just enough skill to roll with good players, and do the dirty work.
Blackwell even did well with Zibanejad last season. So did Fast. When Zibby broke out, he had Zuccarello and Fast on his line.
Dryden Hunt couldn't shine those dudes skates. He's a spare forward. Barely an NHLer. It took 30 games to score playing almost exclusively with Panarin at ES. Check his game logs. Lots of zeros and lots of ice time. The only thing I will say is that Hunt does hustle. He's doing what he can do, and that is all you can ask.
It is on management to address this. It should also be on Gallant to get him off the line. Do something different. It's not like the bottom 6 is so set in stone. That line was good with Goodrow because he can actually play. He's played with good players in Tampa and knows how to read the game.
This is not a Panarin issue. This is an issue with who he is with. Strome can only do so much too when you've got just a guy on RW.
I like Hunt. I liked the signing. I liked that he was mixing in preseason on the 4th line. It's the spot he belongs in when he comes into the lineup, not even his permanent spot. He's in over his head as the 2RW.
Panarin gets a legit NHL RW on his line, he'll start producing. Last player I worry about. He's carrying a line with a middle 6 center and a 13th forward. The fact he can do anything means he's a stud.
