Quote:
Originally Posted by Beninho
He's better, 6'4, good hands, way better passer, doesn't get pushed off the puck like Bennett, way better shot. Can actuallty get his shot off in traffic and doesn't bobble the puck. He's a lot better just needs a god damn shot to prove it.
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I have seen Bennett and Jankowski play in the same games/same scenarios a few times. 2015 Dev Camp. 2016 Preseason. 2017 Preseason. Bennett has been definitively better in every single one of them. While playing center.
I can understand being hyped about Jankowski - I am too - but let's not make up facts with no basis. Context is a huge thing. I think Jankowski is good enough to be a 3C or 2C in the NHL right now. I also think people are blowing up some rough play from Bennett into something it's not (i.e. failure to play center or terrible passer). Playing 3C is a tough role in the NHL because your wingers are usually the guys who can't play top 6 and can't play a checking role - it's like when Backlund was centering Mason Raymond and Joe Colborne a couple years back and that was our worst line. In many ways Backlund, who plays the toughest minutes on this team, has it easier because Frolik and Tkachuk are out there with him at all times keeping the well oiled machine running like clockwork. Stajan has it easier because he is always out there with the 1st pair against other team's 4th lines. Monahan might have it a bit tougher in terms of the defensemen he sees, but he also plays with our best offensive forward which at least offsets that.