I think
@Holtbyisms pretty much hit the nail on the head in regards to his early pace being unsustainable. I think Liam’s ideal role on the team is more of a leader on and off the ice and a defensively responsible forward who can penalty kill. The extra points that have come with it are an added bonus. He is Hershey’s Walmart Brand Tom Wilson without the scoring role.
I think he has tried to shift his focus from being physically overpowering and fighting this year to being a little quicker and more of an offensive contributor. He’s been solid on the forecheck and has been a battler along the boards when he’s played on the first line with Sgarbossa and Barber. It hasn’t necessarily lead to a lot of points but he has made plays that resulted in keeping possession of the puck or causing a turnover that eventually leads to a Bears goal. I just don’t think being an offensive contributor is his best role on this team.
I’ve always enjoyed Liam since he has been a Bear. A lot of his popularity though was gained through big hits and fighting and he hasn’t done a ton of that the past few seasons. The few fights he has had this season were pretty disappointing. I think when the playoffs hit we’ll see the agitating, physical Liam come back and his point production go down. He really got into guys heads during the CC run a few years back. Throw him on the third line with Pilon/Pinho as the Center and Malenstyn as his wing and make it a shutdown line.