Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Never said that, so not sure why you’re taking it as a Monahan criticism. I said that Gaudreau is the playmaker on the line and Monahan is more of the goal scorer of that line. They also thrive on the give and go which is not a Neal’s game. That’s why Lindholm has been such a great fit because even though he’s never hit the same goal totals as Neal, he’s the better candidate.
We’ve seen Neal on the rush and he just doesn’t look comfortable. Every game he plays with Monahan and Gaudreau right after a penalty his killed and they can’t generate anything together. Then the second Lindholm comes on it’s magic. At this point in his career, Neal needs a fast, primary puck carrying centerman who can dish to Neal in the slot. Without that, I don’t think he’ll find success here.
A lot of people are banking on him scoring and then catching fire with new found confidence, but it’s not like he caught fire after he scored against Colorado. Personally I don’t think it’s a confidence issue, it’s a fit problem at the moment.
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He is too slow to play "on the rush" with Gaudreau's line,
Neal is a goal scorer, not a play maker. He simply "does not see the ice" the same way that Gaudrea, Monahan, and Lidholm do. So no, I never expect a line of Gaudreu, Monahan, and Neal to click or be all that productive.
Neal has to start contributing more pretty soon or else we have another very expensive Morrison or Brouwer signing.
He might seem to be in the mix and almost "on the cusp" but I expect more from a 5 year $5 million contract.