Critical13
Fear is the mind-killer.
These are all fair points. We're just going to have to wait and see if Pastrnak is still scoring goals at this level when either one of Marchand or Bergeron decline.
I am not sure that's a valid point, I think Marner is on that level. The 3rd wheel (Hyman right now) probably only affects a few goals a season.
The only reason I pick Matthews is that I think he can create goals, and can score by beating a goalie. I think Pasta is a little more reliant on having teammates or high danger chances, and I think that this is a less reliable method to score than pure shooting talent.
That's not a knock on Pasta, but I do think playing on a defensive juggernaut and with 2/3rds of Team Canada's best line does give him opportunities someone like Matthews or even Laine isn't used to.
Pasta's IQ and puck handling are elite, though, so maybe in the end it won't matter what's going around him. Pasta also is a more creative player, so if his goal scoring crashes, he can make up value by creating.