What does Lars Eller have to do?
- Thread starter Milhouse40
- Start date
Skip Bayless
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- Aug 28, 2014
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Eller is already Jordan Staal lite in terms of production and performance (even though Staal has always gotten decent PP time to work with and better linemates in general), but how can you find out if he's more than Jordan Staal lite if he's never given the opportunity to play with offensive threats?
When he played with one of our main offensive weapons two years ago, he became our most productive centre, averaging only a minute of PP time. Last year, he goes on a scoring drought after an injury and his overall performance is mediocre. But all of that time guess what? No changes to his wings (Bourque, Bournival, Moen) and still ends up with 26 points- out-scoring these team's third liners by a fair margin.
Right now, he's outplaying David Desharnais, out-producing him when ice time is put in context. But he's nothing more than a 3rd liner who should get some PP time? He's not playing in front of Bergeron and Krejci either. He's playing in front of two guys who don't necessarily out-produce or outplay him to the point where he shouldn't be allowed to be given the opportunity to play a more offensive role with more offensive players when they falter to the task.
So my question is: How are the Montreal canadiens in a position where they can have a guy like Eller and slot him as a luxury third liner? Because that's what he is with this team.
When he played with one of our main offensive weapons two years ago, he became our most productive centre, averaging only a minute of PP time. Last year, he goes on a scoring drought after an injury and his overall performance is mediocre. But all of that time guess what? No changes to his wings (Bourque, Bournival, Moen) and still ends up with 26 points- out-scoring these team's third liners by a fair margin.
Right now, he's outplaying David Desharnais, out-producing him when ice time is put in context. But he's nothing more than a 3rd liner who should get some PP time? He's not playing in front of Bergeron and Krejci either. He's playing in front of two guys who don't necessarily out-produce or outplay him to the point where he shouldn't be allowed to be given the opportunity to play a more offensive role with more offensive players when they falter to the task.
So my question is: How are the Montreal canadiens in a position where they can have a guy like Eller and slot him as a luxury third liner? Because that's what he is with this team.
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MsChanandlerBong
The Chan-Chan Man
Mediocre? How is one assist in 50 games mediocre...I'm pretty sure he was one of our most frustrating forwards during that 50 game stretch.
Eller is succeeding this season and outperforming DD because he's in a position to succeed...Eller is where he should be. A situation where he can play defensively, win important faceoffs, and play along the boards down low. Is he more skilled offensively than DD? I really am not sure. He has the physical presence FOR SURE, but Eller is a possession player and he always makes the same mistakes when he gets too confident or too in his head. Skates in the zone and ignores his wingers, wraps around the net, and turns over the puck. Leave him where he is with Sekac and he will continue to succeed.
Skip Bayless
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Despite the drought which was something around 30 games without a goal, Eller finished the season just under the points standards for third liners in the league.
Here's the thing that I find ironic in what you say; Eller is outperforming Desharnais.
Hello?
Is that a normal thing now? Absolutely not. Is it the first time it happens? Not either. Has Eller's role with the team expanded offensively when it happens, nop. Is Desharnais put in a position to succeed? Yes. Is he succeeding? No.
So, despite of his assumed tunnel vision, why does he manage to still out perform the guy who's only purpose is to produce in more favorable offensive situations? Because he's a better player than Desharnais overall. Or do you think that offense is only generated by playing horizontal hockey and finding your open elite sniper and let him do the rest? See that's where I'm getting at. It's the main reason why Eller out-performed Desharnais by such a wide margin during the playoffs.
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MsChanandlerBong
The Chan-Chan Man
Yeah i was never attempting to convince you or anyone that Eller is worse than DD. Desharnais is **** and I prefer Eller 100x over. I was just saying that Eller is in a great position to succeed, and I believe he fits better with Sekac and in a 3rd line role, and allow Pleks to take the 1st line center role with Patches because he's had a great season thus far.
Skip Bayless
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Well then I completely agree with that. My point stood for Pleky too. But the thing that I find with Eller is that the number of times he's been put in a position to succeed, he generally succeeded. But he has rarely been put in a position to prove himself in his projected potential when he was drafted after that. It's not like he was put in it and faltered and settled down on the third line.
Maybe it has to do with Bergevin setting a standard on the type of talent you'd find on a third line, but there's not much of a drop off of skill between our top 3 centres.
DAChampion
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- May 28, 2011
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Heal from his injury in a rapid manner.
I missed the injury, I was busy baking. I hope it's not a concussion nor a broken knee, etc.
I missed the injury, I was busy baking. I hope it's not a concussion nor a broken knee, etc.
Joannie9
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DAChampion
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Milhouse40
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S Bah
Registered User
Eller just needs to stay healthy even though every team targets him for the heavy hitting, trying to slow down his robust nature, checking his opponents to distraction continually. That's why they target him he's doing his job too well!!...
I can't wait for JDLR, McCarron, Crisp et al join him with likewise game, they can't target all of them.
I can't wait for JDLR, McCarron, Crisp et al join him with likewise game, they can't target all of them.
Skip Bayless
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https://vine.co/v/Ov3IghZBpqO
Could it be that he was simply sent back to the dressing room for almost taking out Desharnais?
Could it be that he was simply sent back to the dressing room for almost taking out Desharnais?
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