Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan
Why would you think that? Johnny can give it to Monahan, who has a great scoring touch. Joe is starting to use his body, and we need that size on the right side at least since Johnny is on the smaller end.
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I just explained why, but I will elaborate further.
At even strength last year Monahan and Colby got dominated for the majority of the season. Putting an offensively minded rookie w/ two second year players (good ones mind you) is setting them up to fail. Colby started to use his body towards the end of the season, especially in the corners, but it was clear they are still a few years off going toe-to-toe with top end oppositions. I think Monahan's excellent finishing ability, combined with his hot start, has put the blinders on the majority of fans. We need to set each player up to be successful and grow in the short term. I don't think JG can learn as much from Monahan as he can from Backlund. Despite the majority of this board jizzing themselves over potential future lines, we need to look at what's better for the players now.
Imagine the potential match ups for that line. Against the majority of 1st and 2nd lines in the NHL they are going to get wrecked and spend most of their time floundering in the defensive zone. Against big 4th liners, they are going to rolled over. If you think opposing coaches are going to let a skilled rookie line go against average 3rd liners you are deluded. They will be paired up with mismatches all season. This is why our rookies need to be split across multiple lines, to gain experience and get favourable match ups.
I think JG is going to be a hell of a player and will make the Flames next season, however people need to be realists about where our players are at right here and now. Throwing all of our top young guys together sounds like some Edmonton ####. Let's do it the right way.
Just my 2 cents.