Quote:
Originally Posted by neo45
Mackinnon is much stronger on the puck than Monahan. Has more speed to his game too. Those are the only two categories that he is noticeably better
As for hockey IQ it is just way too early to make a judgement on that
|
It's not really too early. That IQ/hockey sense is something you either have or you don't. It can be improved on a bit, but generally there are guys that just know where to be on the ice to make an impact at either end of the rink and those who're kind of just with the rest. Monahan clearly has this in spades. That is a large factor for his 6 goals so far.
I haven't watched enough of MacKinnon, but many experts going into the draft pegged Monahan as having the best two-way game of the draft and up with the best for hockey IQ.
MacKinnon has very desirable aspects to his game. And I think he'll be more dominant. But I think Monahan will be more responsible, and will have big strengths all around, just based on what I've seen so far. He won't need to dangle through a whole team's defense to make a pretty play happen, because he'll swoop in or muscle his way to exactly where the puck is going to go to pop it in. That's the smarts making up for whatever little bit he lacks in top-end skills compared to the guys drafted above him. And that IQ is already paying off.