This really doesn't make much sense to me. The guy has issues cracking 50pts.
If he was used like Plekanec, then okay. Around 50pts playing tough minutes, with lower level wingers, I can accept that.
If he was used as a 2nd line center, like Richards, with limited offensive ops and secondary PP time, then okay again.
But used in a primary offensive role, with primary PP usage, with one of the best scorers in the game, no. That's not good enough man.
I think you've been so used to this mediocrity that you accept up as something good now.
DD's production given his opportunities and usage is not good at all.
What are you talking about? He hit 48 points and didn't even play in his natural position or as a top 6 C the entire year.
You really believe that if he played C over wing he wouldn't have made 2 points more?
Richards made 37 pts. Played with Kane, Versteeg and Sharp as his top 3 linemates and a 69.9% offensive zone start ratio while remaining a center.
DD made 48 pts. Played with Pacioretty, PAP and Gallagher as his top 3 linemates and a 59.6% offensive zone start ratio.
Now where it differs beyond the OZS is DD got 2:23 PP TOI/G and Richards got 2:02. In addition, Richards got 12:49 ES TOI/G and DD got 14:50.
All things considered, do you really believe DD can't fill in the role of Brad Richards on that team? Really? His linemate quality as a #1C are near identical to Richard's linemates as a #2C. Their PP TOI is similar and Richards gets more OZS. It's only in TOI at ES that DD really stands out and that should account for the difference in production.
Believe it or not but Toews(sticking to same team) and company actually play 3:22 PP TOI/G and similar ES TOI.
DD has hit about 37ish ESP points every year for the last 4 years. Toews hit 46 this year while never playing wing or being 3rd line C. Realistically, that's the difference isn't it? Toews had 57.0% OZS start so the difference is miniscule.
Now, someome will get excited and say I'm comparing him to Toews. I'm not. I'm merely showing how DD is step behind but still productive.
DD was 123rd out of all forwards in last 4 years for 5 on 5 PTS/60. I put at least 1000 minutes over that span as a minimum, that's about 1 season's worth minimum. Some of those people aren't even in the NHL anymore(Sykora, Prospal, Wellwood).
Ovechkin is 127th on the list. Kovalchuk is 154th. You get the idea. He's among the pack of a top 6 forward and his 'sheltered minutes' aren't even as prolific as many claim.
On the 4 on 4 list DD is ranked 57th with 50 min mimumum(had no choice, lowest value possible) over last 4 years. He is on par with Toews 4 on 4.
On PP he's ranked 119th out of those with 300 minutes+. Ahead of many quality players.
The biggest issue with DD is he's a good player, not a great one. Good players belong as complimentary pieces on top line or in middle 6. When you're icing Max and 2 complimentary pieces(DD+Weise) it's ****. No question.
When DD came out of his slump he had 51 points in 61 games in 2013-14. He played with max and Gallagher/vanek.
When he played with Pacioretty/Cole he had 60 points.
Other small features:
He's one of our best SO players.
He's one of the few players on the habs who are better on the road than at home.
He's the complimentary player, not the go to guy. He lags on many aspects and isn't great at anything, isn't physical and is only good at some select categories.
That's why there's evidence to suggest DD is a good productive player but also one playing above his level.
In the playoffs his status as a complimentary talent gets exposed quickly when teams video scout the hell out of you, games get tighter and matchups are handled better.
Put this guy in middle 6 and you'll be happy. Of course if you have a better fit like Galchenyuk then roll with it and put him. No issue there.
DD on 3rd line is a luxury. If we can have that it's a VERY good thing.
