MTaylorJ1
Registered User
- Sep 20, 2006
- 5,161
- 0
I think the problem with Kelly, is that he scored 20 goals two years ago...
Now everyone expects that type of production from him, and if they don't see it - they assume he's not playing well.
Chris Kelly from 2 years ago was an anomaly... He's not really a 20 goal scorer. What he is, is a guy who will chip in 10ish goals, while playing solid hockey on both ends of the ice. He's a great penalty killer and a guy who gives Claude some flexibility (as he's capable of playing all 3 forward positions). The "A" on his jersey tells us all we need to know about his leadership skills.
While not flashy, the one thing he is, is steady. Chris Kelly hasn't changed as a player, even though the expectations some fans have of him, has...
Now back to talking about Mr. Smith!
I can't speak for others, but yes, he has changed, and I'm not basing this on Kelly's 20 goal season like you claim.
(82 game averages below)
Player A 7-10-17
Player B 14-18-32
Player C 7-13-20
Any guesses as to the 3 players?
Player A is Chris Kelly post lockout, Player B is Chris Kelly pre lockout, Player C is Gregory Campbell.
Pre lockout Chris Kelly brought all of the leadership, defense, faceoffs, etc. AND produced just over 32 points per season.
Post lockout Chris Kelly is a defensive specialist who produces like Gregory Campbell. It's not an expectation thing, it's a marked drop in production despite the same ice time thing.