He's still on pace for 50+ points and his shooting percentage is ridiculously low (4.9%) right now. His shooting percentage the past three seasons was 11.8%, 18.6%, and 14.8% so he's well below past precedent. He is generating about the same number of shots per game as last season and more than the two prior to that. To me that implies that his not generating as many quality scoring chances and is shooting more from the perimeter, and the eye test kind of bears that out when I'm watching the games. This tells me he is not getting the time and space needed to replicate his past success. Not having another capable scoring winger on that line is affecting him because opposing D know that he is always going to be the most dangerous scoring option for Getzlaf to pass to so they can cheat a bit when defending him. He's also probably in his own head a bit and gripping the stick too tight.
Call that a 'passenger' if you want, but I think it is also a sign that the top line lacks another viable scoring option. It is very unlikely he finishes the season with such a low shooting percentage and I think he ends up having a good second half to the season once the goals start going in for him, but he's not going to be a 35 or 40 goal scorer without another high end talent on that line. Kase, Aberg, and Silfverberg just don't bring enough of a consistent scoring threat to the top line to give him a bit more time and space. Eaves for whatever reason seemed to work really well in that regard, which is why I'd like to see Ritchie and his power game and strong net front presence given more of a chance on that line.
