Quote:
Originally Posted by ooogabooga
It really looks too easy for him in these games, almost not a challenge anymore
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I've watched a few of the BC games this year and Johnny could easily have more points if he had some half decent linemates with skill. He's made some amazing plays and set ups but his teammates haven't been able to convert.
That includes Bill Arnold, who, from my limited viewing probably doesn't have top 6 upside in the NHL. Maybe a bottom 6 role but he still has lots of developing to do.
Back to Johnny though, he's actually quite decent in the defensive zone. Sure some shifts, he's way out cherry picking, but when he decides to back check, he's a bit like Datsyuk in that he anticipates the opposition's offensive attack and breaks things up with his stick or steals the puck.
As for the physical aspect of his game, the kid is really smart and knows that he can't compete with strength so he doesn't. He competes and battles, but not through strength, but rather through his smarts. He anticipates and uses his quickness to disrupt.