I’ve been rewatching some highlights from the end of last season when Quinn returned, and two things really struck me.
- Quinn is so, so underrated.
He really reminds me of Connor Bedard. Their shot profile looks extremely similar, and both have an underrated passing game that makes them a true double threat.
Of course Bedard is a generational talent, but I think Quinn’s projection is a first-line, borderline elite player in the NHL.
- Benson is the perfect glue piece between Cozens and Quinn.
There’s been a lot of speculation as to whether Zucker or Benson will earn the 2LW spot. All I can say is, Benson is such a good fit on that line. He and Quinn think the game at the same level and it gives them automatic synergy. Benson complements the way Cozens wants to play, extends possession for the line, and can find Quinn or Cozens when they break open for a shot. Likewise, Quinn is great at finding Benson when he gets free, something that is really missing when he played on the third line with guys like Greenway and Skinner.
It’s not the most physical second line, but Cozens and Benson both play above their weight class so it isn’t a soft trio. Cozens and Benson are defensively responsible, and it’s not like Quinn is a liability there either.
Anyway, just something to talk about while the offseason is quiet. Do you think Benson can earn the second LW spot? If he does, do you think we can make the playoffs? How crucial is it for Quinn to stay healthy this season?
EDIT: For those who want to see the highlight video that inspired this post, here it is (skip to 1:20): https://youtu.be/ddCNL6FWLnw?si=DL5tiaeNWNicOdtW
Key moments for those who don’t want to watch the whole thing:
– 1:20: Quinn’s elite shot
– 5:00: Line chemistry on both ends of the ice
– 6:00: More offensive dominance. Watch how Quinn and Benson naturally complement each other to extend the play several shots.
– 7:47: Benson-Thompson-Quinn! This is the best example of how Benson enables Quinn, and also why Quinn’s passing is so underrated.
If you’re bored at work, here’s another game where the three of them were even more dominant: https://youtu.be/UWnpZygAkm4?si=57oDtTj1AzKMNI0q
by Ttbt80
2 Comments
I would love to see Benson with Cozens and Quinn. I think it’s pretty much a lock, but a couple related things need to happen. Remember that he’s still a kid, not turning 20 until after the regular season. Playing on the second line at that age for a team under a ton of pressure to make the playoffs is a lot to handle mentally and physically. But he seems, so far, like he can handle it. Awesome.
To alleviate some of that pressure, a return to form for Thompson and Tuch would go a long, long way. The better the top line performs, the less pressure there is on Benson. Or if Zucker goes on a hot streak, I would expect him to move up to the second to let it ride. Benson would still do great with McLeod (plus maybe Rosen?) on the third line. I fully expect the fourth line to be Malenstyn-Lafferty-NAK whenever possible.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-EbGDqP0rt/?hl=en
The fake shot is the nastiest thing I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to see that used in games.