Our current lack of success is based on Eric scoring at a 46 point pace, Semin at a 41 point pace and Jordan Staal at a 17 point pace. All of our "best" players outside of Skinner are on paces for abnormally low seasons.
Eric is infamous for starting the season slow, for whatever reason (though I do find it odd that he would start the season not caring every single year and then suddenly start caring around December or January). Jordan would do it in Pittsburgh, and he started his career here a PPG player for 10 games before doing nothing for the next 15 games, before producing at a normal pace. Semin is Semin.
After last nights game, the 'Canes are officially at 3 GA/G, which is a darn shame because it seemed that Muller's defensive system was working. At this point, I would put Pat Dwyer with Nash and Malhotra and use them as a 4th line against the other top lines, just to see if it can work. Roll:
Tlusty-E. Staal-Semin
Gerbe-J. Staal- Lindholm
Skinner-Dvorak-Ruutu
Dwyer-Malhotra-Nash
If we are going to use a defensive line, I really want to 'free' Jordan Staal. He needs to be our Brind'Amour, not a Brandon Sutter on steroids.
But really, any criticism on Muller makes the assumption that another coach could get E. Staal, Semin and J. Staal to be consistent producers. And I'm not sure that's the case.