Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
On top of this, they set him up for failure at the NHL level by playing him with absolutely terrible linemates.
We mock Edmonton (rightfully), but holy crap have we been just as guilty in mishandling a few of our 1st round picks (Baertschi and Bennett).
I hope the Flames course correct moving forward and stop stapling promising young forwards with over the hill, talent nullifying, craptastic veterans.
|
The better question might be whether the Flames handled Bennett properly. When Hartley was coaching he said that he needed to play Johnny and Monahan a lot to build up their confidence. He even talked about being careful not to just saddle them with older guys. He talked about how this was his strategy when he coached the Avalanche to let the young guys play and use their skills. Players have to be confident in order to be creative, feeling it believing in it, is all part of feeling confident.
I remember players encouraging Bennett to be low key when he scored those 4 goals, understandable but how does that affect a guys confidence compared to when you see Johnny absolutely excited after scoring a hard fought goal.
Bennett needs to grow confidence and celebrate like he is part of the team, not like an outcast. During that spell when Bennett wasn't scoring any goals he played more like someone holding back than someone who was feeling it and bring excitement to his game.
I think we need to let Bennett play with good players and let him loose and see if he can raise it to another level. From what I have observed, he seems happier more confident when he is on the top line with Gaudreau.