Follow @james_tanner123 With the NHL basically off tonight, here is a list of things I do not understand and which make no sense to me.
1. When teams are virtually eliminated from contention, why do they not try more experimental line combinations?
For instance: The Coyotes might try to pair Yandle and OEL at 5v5 and see how that turns out. (A limited sample suggests, really, really well).
OR - Sam Gagner might get on the top PP unit and actually see the ice with the man advantage at the same time as Yandle and OEL.
They also know 100% they are trading Vermette and that points don't matter anymore, so why not use another player as your biggest minutes guy, see how he does?
2. Why do the Leafs continue to play Bozak ahead of kadri?
I can't think of a more stupid thing that happens in the NHL.
They have one of the lowest PDOs in the NHL, yet they sit 16th in possession and allow the 4th least shots in the NHL per 60 minutes, 5v5. They sit in the upper half of the league in most offensive categories (middle of the pack, but top 16) and their roster is actually pretty stacked with talent.
What more possible evidence could there be that they need a goalie?
4. Why did Nail Yakukpov only play for 12:30 last night?
Again I point out how arbitrary and stupid it is to force a player to "earn" better minutes. Sure, with most players it is a solid philosophy and I can save you the trouble and mention I understand why.
However, when you pick a guy 1st overall and he is averaging something like one point every four games, maybe put him on a line where he can succeed. Until a couple years ago, Yakupov never played a single game in his life where everything on the team didn't go through him and for some guys that is an adjustment they will never make. Treating all players the same way makes no sense - it's time for the Oilers to put Nail on the top line and see how he responds.
5.Why do people always make excuses for the Ducks?
They are the best team in hockey. They were the best team in hockey last year. They are a positive possession team, they don't have a super high shooting percentage and their PDO is 100.1.
Let's just admit they are the best team in the NHL and stop trying to make excuses for them. I've heard tons of people say "The Predators are for real," which is fine, but why are the Preds legit but not the Ducks? The Ducks have more points and much better advanced stats. They are legit. The Ducks should be the Stanley Cup favorites and personally, I don't think any team in the League is even close to them.
Maybe it's the super young D. Maybe it's the lack of name guys after the top three forwards. Maybe it's being named after a Disney movie. I don't know, but I'll tell you this: Coach Bombay and the boys are the best team in hockey.
Thanks for reading.