I think some people owe Bobby Ryan an apology after the playoffs he's been having so far.
Or at least some recognition.
Or just realize that you can't conclude that a player is finished just because he didn't go PPG in an injury plagued season. Maybe that'd be a good thing to know in the future.
Bobby Ryan has been a very consistent producer the 5 years prior to this season, i.e. ~ 0.69 PPG. In 62 games, at his usual pace, that would mean 43 pts, which is 18 more points than he had in reality this season.
Now, figure that his TOI was down ~1:30-2:00 this season, mainly because he left games very early because of injuries. If he played ~100 more minutes, he'd have let's say 3 more points, based on his pts/60 production rate this season.
So all in all, he produced 15 pts less than he should have. Now, let's not forget that MacArthur was missing all year and he had to play with rookie Ryan Dzingel on the other wing who is speedy but lacks finish (3rd liner). And Turris who wasn't great at playmaking this season. That line had some good moments, but overall they severely lacked chemistry. Ryan created a lot of golden chances (the type that we see these playoffs) but most often than not, had nothing on the board to show for it.
Yes it was a poor season for a player of Ryan's caliber but let's diminish the drama a bit. Considering all factors, it wasn't that dramatic. But that requires to actually think and use your brain, so it's a matter of doing it or not to analyze things.
It was another thing entirely to say some of the awful stuff some fans said about him over the past 7 months or so.
And that is exactly the problem on this board (and well, on the anonymous internet), people go way too far in their "criticism". They don't understand that it becomes pure bashing at some point.
Why the heck do those people think Bobby Ryan doesn't feel like going outside doing groceries? Players are human beings and they are pretty much aware of the vibes they are getting on the web.
Let's be smarter!
I just hope this great play lasts. Seems every time Bobby started to turn it around the last few years, 20-30 games later something else would happen and he'd de-rail for half a season.
Okay but it's way less than half a season. Look :
36 pts (18 goals) +10 in the first 42 games of 2013-14 (70 pts pace)
49 pts (17 goals) +9 in the first 59 games of 2014-15 (68 pts pace)
45 pts (18 goals) -1 in the first 52 games of 2015-16 (71 pts pace)
2013-14 : only 28 more games, 12 more points
2014-15 : only 19 more games, 5 more points
2015-16 : only 29 more games, 11 more points
Gotta love FACTS, gives you a much more accurate picture
I also read in this thread (not you) that he has a "lack of motivation" after game 50... What if it was mainly related to "injuries"? I think it's pretty clear after watching Stone in these playoffs that some players struggle when they are not healthy.
Occam's razor, guys: when these players underperform, the simplest answer is usually the right one: it's probably due to injury. Bobby was hurt and now he's not (or less). Cowen was healthy and then injuries slowed him down. Michalek was good then his knees flaked out on him. Turris was good then he went gumby. Stone was great then he got hurt, and he's slowly coming out of it.
Exactly. So many examples to prove this. And for every NHL team.
I'm not sure why some players are excused, and some others are not
and move along
