Joe Veleno is Not Comfortable on the Wing
The Canadiens have started the season strongly, ranking third in the NHL. However, some players are still struggling to find their best form. Joe Veleno is one of those players, facing challenges early in the season.
Veleno's Role and Performance
As the team awaits Patrik Laine's return, questions arise about Veleno's position. Pierre McGuire commented on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro:
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger.”
Offensively, Veleno's numbers are underwhelming. In nine games, he has yet to score, with zero points, seven shots, and a minus-3 rating. His discomfort on the wing is evident in his overall performance.
Line Strategy and Face-off Comparison
Coach Martin St-Louis employs a strategy where two centers play on different wings on the fourth line. Despite this approach, Veleno's recent face-off statistics were unimpressive, winning only 25% (one-for-four) yesterday.
By contrast, Jake Evans showed greater effectiveness, winning 58.3% of his face-offs (7 in 12) against the Devils.
Challenges for Veleno's Position
The main issue is the limited opportunity for Veleno at center, given the team's current lineup. This limits the chances for him to play in his natural role and showcase his strengths.
Author's summary: Joe Veleno struggles to adapt on the wing, with limited offensive impact and few opportunities at center amid the Canadiens' strong start this NHL season.