I call him a third liner, because after watching him play, and comparing him to other top 6 on other teams, that is where he lands.
Nah, you didn't compare him to other top 6 players because then you'd see a list like this:
Danton Heinen, Michael Frolik, Warren Foegele, Josh Anderson, Gustav Nyquist, Robby Fabbri, Brett Connolly, Artturi Lehkonen, Brendan Gallagher, Blake Coleman, Miles Wood, Jesper Bratt, Chris Kreider, Pavel Buchenevich, Ryan Strome, Tomas Tatar, Connor Brown, Vladislav Namestnikov, Colin White, Travis Konecny, Dominik Kahun, Yanni Gourde, Alex Killorn, Ondrej Palat, Nick Ritchie, Rickard Rakell, Ondrej Kase, Tobias Rieder, Dominik Kubalik, Alex Nylander, Joonas Donskoi, JT Compher, Tyson Jost, Jujhar Khaira, Alex Chiasson, Josh Archibald, Adrian Kempe, Tyler Toffoli, Ale Iafallo, Kevin Fiala, Jason Zucker, Rocco Grimaldi, Kevin Labanc, Zach Sanford, Tanner Pearson, Josh Leivo, Jack Roslovic...
That's 45+ players that suit up in the top 6 around the NHL that Bailey pretty easily better than or at worst on par with.
If you have zero strengths, you can't be top six. "Being a "complimentary player" isn't a compliment -- its kinda like getting "puts forth genuine effort" on a report card -- it means you try, but you suck. Bailey has nothing in his bag of tricks other than he can put a puck in an empty net if available. You just said that Bailey is good at cycling the puck? You cant be serious. When does he even hold the puck long enough to do that? I cant remember a time... perhaps back in 11 on a road trip out west.
Bailey excelled with Lee because they both cycle the puck. You don't need to hold the puck for very long to cycle, which makes me think you don't know what it is. A complimentary player is exactly what most of our roster is. Nobody but Barzal can create much of anything on their own, they rely on other people to fill in for areas they aren't strong. That's most of the NHL.
You've hit the nail right on the head -- when you asked "How exactly would you like him to produce points while playing with Dal Colle on the third line?" He won't. Exactly.. Dal Colle needs someone who can help -- and it definitely isnt good ole #12 -- its the kiss of death. Lee and Eberle? How DARE you bring up players who actually have a role, have strengths and drive this team -- Eberle has speed and good hands and is an asset most of the time. Lee, -- while without a doubt is struggling -- is our Captain, and will find his game. He has proven his role. He def has weaknesses tho.
What's Eberle's role again? He had 37 points last season. For someone who cares about filling the back of the net as much as you do, I'm shocked you're not ripping Eberle for only having half as many goals as the miserable Josh Bailey. A goal scorer who isn't scoring, can't play any other position, isn't sound defensively, and can't play on the PK. Wowy zowy, he sure is great. Eberle isn't fast either, he's slick and has good hands. Lee is a goal scorer who isn't good defensively and can't PK or play another position. He also can't create offense on his own. They need a player like Bailey, just like Bailey needs players like them.
Its funny -- Joshua does have his decent games -- it can happen -- and right now he is in the depths of a bad one - -which is why all these comments are being made. WHen he is playing "well" he's doing ok.. when he is off his game, he is a total nightmare and people have this ridiculous need to fight for him. Not sure why -- he is the typical hockey player nowadays -- skating around, collecting a paycheck. What a shame. Gimme two Zeekers and Josh would never lace up a pair of skates again.
You just like guys that
look like they're doing something. That's okay, you're allowed to be a surface level spectator. Next time we're at the bar you'll probably be yelling "shoooooot" while the Isles are on the PP.
Re-read the thread. I've answered this directly and you just imagine it all away.