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Missing In Action: Drake Batherson

With just one goal in his last 17 games, Drake Batherson’s offensive game has fallen way off in the last several weeks.

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Drake Batherson has become a better two-way player this season, but his offense has dried up as of late (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

If you’ve been following along with the Ottawa Senators this season, you know that the team defense is a whole lot better this season, allowing the Sens to stay in the mix for a playoff spot. While the offense started off hot, it has slowed quite a bit over the last several weeks, with the Senators now sitting 24th in the NHL with 2.79 goals per game. One big culprit in the offensive fall-off? Drake Batherson. Let’s dive into the details on Batherson’s struggles.



READ MORE: Evaluating the Ridly Greig Extension

By the Numbers

Here are Drake Batherson’s numbers before and after December 15th:

  • 30 games, 13 goals, 33 points (82 game pace: 36 goals, 90 points)
  • 17 games, 1 goal, 7 points (82 game pace: 5 goals, 34 points)

After 30 games, Batherson ranked 24th in the league in points. Now, he sits tied in 49th. The numbers make it obvious that he’s struggling to produce. So what’s the problem?

Same Issues as Tkachuk

If you were able to read my piece about Brady Tkachuk’s struggles, I mentioned the following issues, among others:

  • Shooting less
  • Struggling Power Play

These are some of the same issues for Drake Batherson. Let’s start with the shooting. Batherson was taking 2.2 shots per game through his first 30 games. In his last 17 games, he averaged 1.8 shots per game. I think it goes without saying, if you shoot the puck less, you’re less likely to score. Batherson’s been held without a shot three times during his 17 game slump. He has also been limited to two shots or less an additional nine times.

During this stretch, the Senators power play is at 14.9%. Prior to that, they were at 26.5%. With Batherson on the top unit, his production has suffered because of this. This is where Batherson’s luck was bound to come down a bit. He was a 30% shooter on the power play in the first 30 games. He’s been at 9% since.

Less Physical Play

Here are Batherson’s hit numbers during the two stretches:

  • First 30 games: 51 hits, 5.5 hits per 60 minutes
  • Last 17 games: 19 hits, 3.66 hits per 60 minutes

The reason I bring this up is because I have found Batherson to be at his best when he is physically engaged. Yes, he has great hands, but he’s also 6’3″, 200 pounds. He seems to be trying to win, in the offensive zone, as a skill player right now. While he is obviously quite skilled, he has found the most success when he gets involved physically. That means getting in on the forecheck, finishing his checks, and going to the dirty areas. It should be no surprise that his turnover numbers are up in his slump. He had 18 giveaways in his first 30 games, but he’s at 15 over his last 17 games.

Final Thoughts

The good news is that Drake Batherson is one of many Senators who have committed to the defensive side of the ice. Even during this rough stretch, he’s only been on the ice for six even strength goals against. He has shown a commitment to back-checking, as well as working hard in his own zone. He’s been tasked with closing out a few games with a lead and has been successful.

Nonetheless, it’s time to start scoring. With Batherson shooting less, hitting less, and turning the puck over more, it’s not a big surprise that his numbers have fallen off. When he is at his best, he’s creating offense with not only his puck skills, but also with his physicality. The Ottawa Senators are in a fight for their playoffs lives right now; it’s time for Batherson to start producing.

 

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