Quote:
Originally Posted by HawkeyeCB
The offensive zone stat is a bit ridicuous, IMO. It averaged out to something like 1.5 extra faceoffs per game in offensive zone. Or maybe even less, I'm too lazy to do the math again.
At the start of the year Pacioretty and Cole weren't expected to be our two best wingers either (and Cole wasn't at first).
Anyway, I probably shouldn't get involved in this debate again. He proves people wrong enough with his play that I don't need to argue about it.
|
To be honest, I don't know the offensive start numbers myself as I don't really put too much stock into advanced stats in hockey. In watching the games though, it was easy to see that Desharnais got all the good offensive shifts so as to shelter him defensively. It's called good coaching. Look, the guy will never develop into an all-round player but he has proved that he belongs in the NHL. I wouldn't put any cap on the amount of points he could score though, because if he'd play in a talented top-9 like Chicago or Philly, the sky's the limit.
If he is to be on a championship caliber team, he'd better be surrounded with other players who can carry the play, but shutdown the opponent as well.