Yes this is why we do not make declarations in small sample sizes.
He has 4 points in 8 games. Over the last 3 years he averages 5.3 points per 8 games. Hardly unreasonable.
This is the problem with Kreider/Buch. Their expectations are out of hand. Kreider is never going to "break out" and become that dominant 30-30 threat or better. He's already 28 and is what he is. A good play driving forward who will put up around 50 points. Buchnevich is not going to break out and be a 70+ point first line wing. He's not that skilled.
Buch I agree w/you. not even close to 70 pts.
CK was most of the way there first half last season, then cooled. He does well w/Zib. Need correct third linemate. Have written exhaustively how there is zero to lose about matching
possession driver + facilitator + finisher by putting righty shot Zib at RW [which he can handle w/success] and go for correct pivot. Chytil could be that pivot, but his potential offense should upgrade 3rd line instead. I said Boo, just try it, nothing to lose. People don't listen and we are where we are. Is it slam dunk I would be right? No. But would it hurt to give legit try? No.
The real problem is we are still suffering from the effin win now crowd who had to have EStaal and BSmith. Also should have flipped Namest immediately when there was hype of him possibly producing like he did w/Stamkos; instead we signed him.
We need to trade the excess vets.
These are guys we are not extending contract wise.
Also, we need to move way ahead on the exp draft, 'cause it will be harder to move players in a yr + as teams
finalize getting ready to deal w/it which = less trade flexibility league wide.
HCDQ is okay enuf for now and then some, no reason to think he's suddenly lost it --- with one exception. While the excess roster adding excess mins does not help, both Q and his predecessor have been guilty of WAY too much line changes. I get the open mindedness of experimentation. I would be a hypocrite to call for the Nieves experiment and then be close minded about other options.
However, we need to get to bottom line core, and then use matchups that best work. Doesn't matter if Zib is a 1C. If we are keeping an extended Kreider b'c that is more profitable than to dump him, and Kreider = 2LW b'c Panarin and Kakko are first line, then use Zib on 2nd line.
Krav WILL be our 1C.
I don't give a rat's ass how you handle it on center ice transition and offense, but on defense, to ensure everyone goes to their natural strong hand, play that W. Thus
LW Kakko - C Krav - RW Panarin
LW Kreider - C Nieves - Zib
Trade Strome, Buch, possibly Andersson if enuf for him.
Geo. a strategic add
Skjei close to market for cap relief
DeAngelo at a profit.
