If you are going to nitpick, which you consistently do with Heinen, and get on his case for the gift assist, go back on the DVR about 15 seconds and watch the set up he gives Wagner in front of the net. He should have scored on that, and these things have a way of evening out.
There have been many, many occasions this season where he has set players up point blank and they couldn’t finish. Maybe I should start highlighting these after every game?
I have said all along that Heinen needs to be more productive. My issue with you is that you seem to want to single Heinen out for mistakes other players make all the time, yet ignore any good plays he makes. The root of all of this is that you think he’s soft and it colors every perception. If Heinen had the same point totals, but jumped a guy every 15 games, you would be totally cool with him.
No, my issue with him is his lack of production over nearly a calendar year, while people like you continue to make excuses for him. Sure he's had some bad luck....who hasn't? It's par for the course in the NHL that goalies make great saves, posts get hit, pucks hop over sticks, teammates (often him) shoot wide after they get a great set up.
I just wonder why you seem to notice this more with him than others? Imagine how many assists he's cost his teammates by missing the net 3/4 times he shoots? That's who I feel bad for, the guys who are saddled with him as a line mate.
I'll ask you this...can you find one negative post from me about him prior to around November? Doubt it. Even during the playoffs last year when he got a whole point in 9 games I don't remember being hard on him, because he was a rookie and it's part of the process.
Calling a spade a spade....you're right, I'd be much happier if he pounded a guy every few games while producing garbage for stats, because at least that would be entertaining. Instead we're treated to "good positioning" or "solid play along the wall" as a supplement to production.
Unfortunately, for him and all his enablers, he's now almost 130 games into his career and despite the various excuses that people want to make for him, we all should be concerned that he's heading to Kraig Nienhuis/Ken Hodge Jr. territory.
As for singling him out. Maybe that's true, but to be honest if people were this vocal in support of other non-producers, I'd probably be in the same discussion.
I can't make this clear enough.....I only care about the team winning and giving me something to enjoy watching. I don't care if it's Heinen, Kuraly, Wagner, Donato or anyone else...if you're producing and giving a good effort, I'm happy to root for you. If you're not -- I'm 100% happy to watch someone else get a chance.
Maybe it's just time to put him on the 4th line and tell him that's where he's going to be. Maybe it's a mental thing and he can't handle bouncing around the lineup. It's unfortunate if that's the case, but if it helps, why not give it a try?