Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Nilsson and Makarov were so smooth at speed. Johnny is more jitterbug.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bozek
He looks pretty smooth to me - maybe the small size contributes to him not appearing as smooth a skater.
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Jitterbug is a great description. And I don't think he's a smooth skater, I think he kind of runs on his skates. RickM suggested like a young Patrick Kane. For me, it goes back again to he who can't be named: when he entered the league, he had a similar running style to his skating and people said he wouldn't be fast enough for the NHL and, like GioforPM said, 'wait until he gets hit'.
For me, that's what he meant by not as smooth as those other guys. Some guys seem to glide effortlessly. Some are choppier and look like they have to work harder or 'run'. Gaudreau is the epitome of the latter. And as a result, people will always underestimate his speed (not suggesting anyone here is).