Where's the Chemistry?

[MD9 139]

Where's the Chemistry?

VHL.com // Saskatoon

 

With the season well underway, plenty of stories can be written about the solid play of the Saskatoon Wild -- whether it's the scoring of Gabriel McAllister, the solid two-way play of Charles Murphy, or even the surprising physicality of Daring Do. However, one question is lingering in the minds of some fans -- what happened to the chemistry between Jake Scheel and Daring Do? Last season, the tandem made for a rather devastating duo when paired alongside each-other, acting as desperately needed depth for a Saskatoon team led by Bo Boeser. Now, with more playing time on the top line of the team, that touch seems to have largely vanished.

 

Certainly, the tandem aren't playing terribly, as their line has been one of the best for Saskatoon (largely thanks to McAllister), but they certainly aren't on pace to match their production per game last season. Scheel sits just a single point over a point per game, while Do has seven goals and seven assists, slipping a fair few points back. Although she's tied for third in the team, she isn't showcasing the sniping prowess that she certainly possesses. Likewise, Scheel hasn't showed the improvements in play-making many thought he would.

 

The season is still young -- this might have to do with team strategies, different directions, locker room troubles, or even a simple case of sophomores slumping in the teamwork department. Sitting at second in the league, the Wild aren't exactly struggling as a whole, so the slight dip in scoring from two individuals isn't enough to sound alarm bells -- but for Scheel and Do, some extra work is needed to help remind the league just what they're capable of.