Ya, I don't think Erik Karlsson is the biggest problem on the team. I get that he has to be better (Ryan too) but your statement is pretty outrageous IMO.
I also find it interesting that you make mention of Zib playing better "at least" whereas Ryan just had has best two games of the season and proved he plays great with Turris, but apparently he is still more of a problem than Zibby.
I suppose it depends on how one wants to define the problem, but I believe it should be defined as demonstrated optimal performance vs current performance and the resultant effect on results.
Therefore I look at three players that had they played closer to there optimum than they have, the team would likely have had better results.
First I think Ryan has been way below average. While I do agree he is showing signs of improving offensively, he is well short of what he has achieved in the past. Looking to Zibanejad for Ryan's low production is to ignore the fact Ryan leads the team in SOG, but is tied with Neil in shooting percentage at 8.3%.
Next I look to EK, who IMO hasn't been very good on either side of the puck. Offensively he has been way off his best especially when you consider 7 of his 9 points came in two games and he has looked disinterested at times defensively. While there can be little question he possesses all world talent, he hasn't been performing close to his optimum level.
Lastly I look to Anderson. While he has faced many shots he usually excels with the work. While he has made some incredible saves he has also looked less than average on occasion and his puck handling has not been stellar. His overall .912 SA% just isn't good enough for a team with playoff aspirations.
IMO these three have to perform much closer to their peaks consistently for the team to have better results.
As to the rest, I am not sure many of the players are off their best performances and given so many of them are young and still developing its hard to expect more.
For example Stone, Hoffman, and Zibanejad are all producing at career best levels.
The only exception IMO is Wiercoich. However expecting he would repeat the play he demonstrated over a 30 game window was likely based on hope more than anything.
So while we can blame whoever we want, fact is the best players have to play the best consistently for the Sens to win and so far that hasn't been the case IMO.
