Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
This is simply not true. While I agree that Monahan is not great at carrying the puck into the offensive zone in large part because of his skating, Elias Lindholm is actually very good at doing this, and this was a BIG reason why that line was so successful for the first four months of the season.
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My comment was more directed at Monahan because he has been Gaudreau's linemate almost exclusively this season whereas Lindholm has been moved around. But yes, Lindholm is better than Monahan, but he isn't able to carry the puck while simultaneously breaking down defenses and drawing multiple defenders his way, that's the magic that is Gaudreau. His ability to do that gives the additional time and space for Lindholm and Monahan to work with and that makes all the difference. How else does Lindholm go from a career high 45 points to 72 and counting ppg player.
With that said, I'd personally like to see Lindholm at center right now over Monahan. #23's defensive game down right bad. The constant puck watching leaving his man wide open in the slot is like clock work. Lindholm seems to have better defensive coverage and awareness, so I'd definitely try playing him up the middle for a game or 2 to see how things go.