I already said why he was moved to the third line. Injuries and a roster shakeup to help create more offense up and down the lineup.
Here are these imaginary stretches where he didn't do anything. Let's look at his last dozen games, because I haven't provided enough numbers already. The past six games he's on the third line, with a significant decrease in minutes and talent, he's produced nothing offensively. The six before that? 5 points in 6 games. Let's go back six more, 6 points in 6 games. So the twelve games before the shakeup he had 11 points in 12 games. Damn, this dude was really struggling before being demoted! Is this the part where you tell me it's secondary assists and he didn't really do anything, plus, I should watch the games because he sucks?
Sorry that him being the defensive player on that line bothers you or anybody else. It's obviously the truth and why Trotz was so reluctant to pull him off that line, despite the fact that we know Bailey works better with Nelson and Lee offensively, and Eberle works better with Barzal offensively. Not sure how it's even debatable. Though a flawed stat, the team only has three regulars who are minus players: Eberle (-9), Barzal (-8), and Beauvillier (-1). Considering Beauvillier and Barzal were together for a big chunk of the season, it's pretty clear Trotz wants someone who can provide some defensive awareness to the line.
Bailey isn't an offensive force. He's not going to drive a line or make those players around him better offensively. He, like most of our offensive weapons, is a complimentary piece that needs to be put in the proper situation. He's our second leading scorer and gets **** on with regularity on here because he isn't "noticeable." Three straight seasons of 50+ points, but he gets more **** than anybody. It's baffling.
Barzal slumps, it's because he's with the wrong wingers and they aren't as talented as him.
Lee slumps, it's because he's not with a play maker.
Bailey slumps, it's because he sucks.
I'll repeat this too, I have no problem with Bailey playing on the third line. The expectations about what he should be producing needs to change when he's changing roles though. And with that, I'm out, until next time.