You never want to break up something that has worked, but I do see the value in moving Johnny to play with Bennett.
Bennett is always going at top speed, that backs off opponents. The problem is that Bennett hasn't played with anybody that can take advantage of that. We all love Monahan, but you can sometimes see why the top line has trouble getting traction when the team is on their heels. Monahan rarely attacks with speed, he relies on his wingers to create something. Either Johnny doing Johnny things, or Ferland barreling down the wing. Sometimes you need your center to gather speed through the neutral zone and dagger into the attacking zone. Bennett is learning to do that, but that doesn't seem to be Monahan's game right now.
At the end of the day, you gotta go with the guys who are making the big bucks. Monahan and Johnny are paid to be difference makers, but I wouldn't be opposed to the bearded one getting the opportunity. He is ready.
All in all, the Flames had no push last night. They looked like they were waiting to get their legs, but the Oilers didn't allow them to.
Aside from Smith, I thought Gio got better as the game went on. He elevated himself. Another positive I took from the game was that it was evident what Smith's puck handling can do, his work with the Dmen broke up a number of onslaughts. It could have been much worse than it was.
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