JT Milker
Registered User
- Mar 24, 2018
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Defensively, he's still been responsible. "Disappeared" to most people = no points. It's really not about what they're watching.
In this "bad stretch", there were multiple instances where a Petey forcecheck created a goal, but he was not credited with a point. Hoglander's goal against Vegas (a bigger, aggressive team that Petey is seemingly "vanishing" against) is an example. Petey does all the work to create that. I agree his play does wane at times, but the criticisms are unrelated to any actual critiques of his play. It's literally only about looking at the boxscore stats, as it usually is for most people.
Hughes absolutely feasts against Vegas, Kings, and as of late, the Oilers.
Hughes had 3 points and was -3 in 4 games against LA, 5 points and even in 4 games against Vegas, 8 points and -3 in 8 games total. Add in two high tempo teams from the other div in Colorado and Dallas and you get 11 points and -4 in 14 games. I think it’s fair to question his defensive play in these games.He still put up numbers one would expect from a top 10 C in the game (despite a revolving door of linemates) and was a solid 200 foot player who was our most effective penalty killing forward. I think the contract situation was a massive distraction and I can't help but wonder if the way it eventually resolved (not suggesting it should have been handled differently by PA/JR) left a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Pettersson had 2 points and was -1 against LA, 2 points and even against Vegas, 4 points and -1 in 8 games total. Adding in Colorado and Dallas, 5 points and -4 in 14 games. That’s utter dogshit for a player of his calibre.
But high tempo hard checking teams are difficult to play against, which is why we’ve moved to this style this year as well. I think Hughes still has an impact in these games despite his struggles handling the extra press; Pettersson has been outright poor.