Quote:
Originally Posted by N-E-B
I'm sorry but I just don't agree with this take on Monahan at all. I think he's been far and away their best player this playoffs. He's skating hard, being physical, making smart plays with the puck, and has scored a huge goal in both games. What more do you want? I've been thoroughly impressed by Monahan the last two games. I would say Monahan has certainly been exceptional so far.
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I noticed a couple times last night that Monahan was "standing his ground" so to speak with Kesler. Whereas in the past in felt like he didn't want to get involved. I guess I'm more referencing the after whistle stuff, I noticed that Monahan instead of skating away had no issues exchanging words with Kesler. Maybe not to the point of physical, face-washing accosting yet, but he's growing.
And on that note, did anyone else notice just before the Ferland/Bieska tilt that Bennett was giving Kesler the business and Kesler seemed like he wanted no part of it? Maybe it was just me but I woulda thought that that woulda been right up a spot picker like Kesler's alley going back after a younger player in the league without much fighting experience. Maybe Bennett is growing into a role that we all want/need.
All in all that exchange along with the scrap and Tkachuk's no back down attitude gives me hope for the future that maybe these "kids" won't take it anymore and won't be intimidated and pushed around anymore. They may not win this serious, but I think this experience/pushback bodes well for the future.