Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild GM
I think part of the PP woes is that Johnny isn't a great offensive player once things are set up in the offensive zone. He is a dangerous player in transition - elite in fact. But in terms of what he does once things are set up - he is not elite. So the guy that stir the drink - just isn't that good at it. They need someone else to be the on-ice general for powerplays because I don't think that guy is Johnny. And it isn't Monahan (trigger man). Perhaps Versteeg was playing some of that role which is why it has been missed.
It isn't a criticism of Johnny because he does so much else better. But I think the organization felt he would be the key PP guy. And I don't know that he is.
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I agree with this. I find he loses some of his creativity when locked into the set structure of a powerplay and doens't seem to be able to really get things going.
I have also noticed that when the puck starts moving around quickly or a loose puck is retrieved, he often makes unexpected passes, which would turn out brilliantly, except his teammates are often not ready for his super quick or unexpected pass and then they slow things down again or find themselves off balance and not ready to shoot quickly.