Regardless of a truly remarkable 13-7-4 record, the Cats aren’t nearly approaching what could be generously considered as “balanced scoring”. Witness:
|
HOT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fleischmann |
Pointless in 6(!) of 24 games |
|
|
Matthias |
3G, +3 in last 2 |
|
|
Weiss |
|
11 points (3G), +7 last 8 |
|
NOT SO HOT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bergenheim |
No points last 10 |
|
|
Bradley |
Injured; no points last 3 |
|
|
Dadonov |
No points last 7 |
|
|
Goc |
Injured; no points last 7 |
|
|
Kennedy |
No points last 12 |
|
|
Kopecky |
1A in last 6 (came Tues) |
|
|
Santorelli |
No points last 6 |
|
|
Skille |
1A in last 9 (PS foiled Tues) |
|
|
Sturm |
No points last 6 |
|
|
Upshall |
Injured; 1G last 15 |
|
|
Versteeg |
No points last 3 (was tweaked Tues; yeah we got spoiled) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Campbell |
No goals last 5 |
|
|
Ellerby |
2A in last 11 |
|
|
Garrison |
No points last 4 |
|
|
Gudbranson |
Rookie; no points last 18 |
|
|
Jovanovski |
No points last 8 |
|
|
Kulikov |
Injured; no points last 4 |
|
|
Weaver |
|
No points last 4 |
Some rather awful streaks in effect.
Granted, two recent games vs Tampa Bay’s defensive suflex (outscored 7-2) had a negative effect on everyone, but given the talent at hand, more than a few of these pointless stretches are nothing short of obscene. Then again, perhaps we’re finally beginning to notice the inevitable result of multiple injuries – and numerous they have been throughout the opening 24 games – to guys acquired for more than a complementary role with this club.
No question everyone on the list above has displayed the work ethic Kevin Dineen has demanded, but numbers such as these simply cannot continue if a Stanley Cup championship – this season – is the goal, as Dale Tallon has repeatedly declared (well, except for the “this season” part).
Don’t need over-achievers at this stage, just a group which can meet a level of reasonable personal expectation, production-wise. Get even one of these dudes, on D or at forward, to heat up offensively and it’s lights-out for the opposition.
In essence: Jack…buddy…everyone appreciates the hustle, tenacity, and grit you (and so many others) deliver each night, but ya gotta get on the scoresheet.