- Dec 29, 2016
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I am saying that KC is not on that 1st line because he deserves it, but because he is being sheltered and given confidence thru quality linemates and top minutes.
Because he is a rookie.
And he is getting more sheltered than any other rookie in this team was. Ehlers in his first year did not get those minutes or consistency of linemates, nor Laine.
And this is basically a soph season for kyle, I know he played 20 games only, but its not Ehlers fault he was not good enough to stick around 2 years after draft as Ehlers was - I think people are forgetting. this part when matching up their rookie seasons.
should match this season with Ehlers last to be fair, and even there Ehlers didnt get the same linemate consistency.
People in here are inclining that he is there over say, Laine and Ehlers because he deserves it more.
Before he was there to start the season, Ehlers was there and doing very well.
KC had done nothing to get the spot when he first got, and Ehlers deserved to stay, but thats not how PoMo rolls.
When both Laine and Ehlers have been there they have deserved it and played well.
KC is a good fit, but lets not make him out to be better than Ehls or Laine. He has been getting a little more leash than they have.
So with all that extra leash, ofc he has more 5v5 pts. He is playing alot of minutes with quality linemates, he is also getting heavy time in the 1st pp.
Laine and Ehlers are arguably the two most rotated players - Having been on several lines with many different linemates, playing less minutes than KC. Often facing tough match - up's. and still produce well, Something I think they dont get enough credit for.
KC is good, but some here make it seem like his performance is massively better than Ehlers or Laine.
And no, he was no where near as productive on the 4th line - And btw Ehlers and Laine also score anywhwre they play, even with low toi.
IMHO, KC earned his time on the first line and is sticking not just by scoring with the help of elite players, but by working his tail off to fit on that line.
Scheif and Wheels appear to work best with a forward who plays their style of game including hard work and cycling - plus he also happens to be very good in tight and has a very quick release.
I like him where he is and I don't think anyone is doing him any favors - Maurice will reward the rookies (or any player for that matter) that work hard and contribute - and it's hard to find any wrong in that.