Mats Zuccarello is the 13th most productive RW over the last 3 years (PPG). Kreider is the 25th most productive LW over the last 3 years. As much as this team lacks a top tier player at any position, the idea that we don't have any 1st line forwards is false.
as much as i would like to believe your take i cannot. hockey isnt played in a vacuum. this is the same tired argument we got with rick nash.
forget what he is or isnt doing now ( like scoring), just look at his numbers over a period of time and assume that that production is happening now. it isnt. period.
zucc has been an amazing player but hes older, and sadly slower and his game has been so far, so-so.
hes got 8 points in 11 games and a -5. 5v5 hes been weak at best. 3 points in 11 games of 5v5 hockey. ouch.
CK is 7 points in 11 games and -1. and again, 5v5 hes been just short of bad. 2 points in 11 games of even strength hockey. really ?
together those 1ST LINE PLAYERS have 3 goals and 5 total points in 11 games at EVEN STRENGTH.
those arent 1st line numbers.