Quote:
Originally Posted by codynw
Monahan doesn't really make his linemates better the way some players do, I guess is how I'd put it. He's not the one driving his line or creating things on his own.
|
I'd argue the opposite. Every elite playmaker needs an elite finisher. Monahan makes Gaudreau better because he's able to read what Johnny's going to do and be in a position to continue the play.
Imagine Gaudreau playing with Stajan full-time instead of Monahan. Imagine the giveaways because Stajan isn't in the spot where would be if he was able to read the play as well as Gaudreau does. Further to that, imagine what happens when Gaudreau is forced to play a simpler game in order to connect with Stajan. Not only will Johnny's plays suddenly become a lot easier to defend against (because he has to simplify things), but a much larger percentage of plays while die on Stajan's stick than on Monahan's.
You don't need to be a creative player to make your linemates better. Just being able to play with creative players works as well.