I, too, am puzzled that Gilbert is scratched so much, but Greene wasn't the problem last night. Muzzin, as you alluded to, was a -4 and his pairing was the only minus pairing on the night. It's not that he was worse or "lazier" than usual, though, IMO. He always plays like that. It's just that he wasn't getting bailed out, largely because Budaj was bad last night, as well.
- Osprey

I realize Greene wasnt the glaring issue last night. But he has no business playing anymore. Hes dead weight at this point. He doesnt use his defensive partners ever. He chooses to take charge instead of using Gravel. One of the things I like about Doughty is that he uses McNabb and Forbort. Allows them to make outlet passes.

But Muzzin has looked awful this year. Hes got no gas. No drive. Zero effort. I remember a few games ago a puck went passed him and he didnt even attempt to skate for it. Amart had to get on his horse and retrieve the puck. I am liking the progression of Gravel and Forbort. Im starting to wonder if Muzzin is a possible move knowing theyre playing decent and McNabb is still there waiting on his health.

I'm curious how many happened before versus after his injury. Hitting more after could suggest his hands are not quite back yet. Though that shootout goal the other night was right on target.
- responsible_D

For what it's worth, three before injury, two on his return. He hit two in the same game against Nashville and two in the same game against Arizona.

do the advanced stats suggest 21 is playing well? haven't really seen it thus far...
- hiway39

Indeed, unlike last year, Shore is having a tough time with driving play and controlling scoring chances. Second-worst Corsi For % and Scoring Chances For % among regular forwards. Playing so much with Nolan, who regularly suppresses puck possession and scoring chance control hasn't helped.

Hitting the post and having the puck stay out doesn't mean that you're unlucky. It means that your aim was off.
- Osprey

There are so many outside factors before taking a shot (skating speed, defensive pressure, pass received, rolling puck, ice conditions, etc.)...when does a player ever have absolute mastery over where he can put the puck? True, players have varying degrees of control, the better ones have more control, the worse ones have less control. But oftentimes, it's the part which nobody can control that determines if it's a post or a score. That's luck.

I don't find it to be much different than a hitter's BABIP in baseball. Even if a hitter was hitting just off a tee, there's some luck in where the ball lands.