It's not a crime to point it out if it's only a passing observation from time to time. But it's the amount of criticism that he takes (from you and others) in proportion to the level of his play. For instance, a relatively high proportion of your posts are specifically targeting Draisaitl's apparent poor play; so, yes, it looks like you're throwing him specifically under the bus when there are other players doing jack-all. What about Nuge, who spends all of his time with McDavid? Nuge has 2 points in 3 games and no non-McDavid points. In fact, nobody has points without McDavid. Further to that, Drai's points, while connected to McDavid, were not necessarily "easy." His goal was actually a pass from Lucic that he executed very well. So why make Drai your continual scapegoat? His salary?
Can he play better? Yes, absolutely he can. But he's not been put in a position to succeed with unideal linemates. Another problem, which nobody has mentioned is that for the first time, he's learning to center his own line because for the last two years, McLellan put him with McDavid, so he's never really gotten a chance to grow and develop at that position. With how Chiarelli has handcuffed the team, he has less than ideal wingers with which to produce. And on top of that, you have McLellan, who can't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. Think about it: if your manager gave you no resources with which to work, your supervisor threw you under the bus, and you were continually placed on teams with which you didn't mesh, how well would you fare, regardless of your salary? I know that, as a professional, you have to do your best with what you have, but really, how well WOULD you do in that position?
