[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Rightly or wrongly I know some posters have been hard on Monahan, not happy with his game... but I have to remind some just how young he is and the huge load he's not taking on with both Stajan and Backlund out. It's truly remarkable how good this kid is having just turned 20. Not many 20 year olds are capable of taking on the defensive responsibilities for his team.

Didn't have a perfect game today but my lord when this kid matures like Brodie has this season... an unreal player on our hands.

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Criticism of Monahan is really misguided. Last year he was given juicy offensive zone starts and sheltered minutes. This year, as part of his development, he's being asked to play more in the defensive zone and against the other team's top lines. That has been increased with Backlund and Stajan (who usually play the defensive center role) being out.

Great minds....