Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunderball
To me, there's something very, very off between Monahan and Gaudreau. Both are high value assets, but both seem to have some key deficiencies. Going forward, if both are on the Flames in 19/20, they should be on different lines.
I don't think Giordano had a bad playoff series, but he certainly wasn't good, and he has to wear some of the blame as captain for the mental breakdown evident. I've heard he's a quiet captain, and that's clearly not a good thing when the going gets tough.
As an offseason plan, I think the first step is to know who was playing hurt. I suspect Monahan and Tkachuk were.
From there, I don't actively shop Monahan, Gaudreau, or Giordano, but I listen to every call from other GMs who might inquire. If there's a good player for player trade (in the case of Monahan or Gaudreau) or a good value trade for Gio, I'd explore it and accept for one of Monahan or Gaudreau (whoever gets a better return) and for Gio.
Assuming neither Monahan nor Gaudreau move, I think trying Bennett-Backlund-Gaudreau is worth a try, at least in preseason, if a #1 C isn't obtainable, with Lindholm, Monahan and Tkachuk on a second scoring line. Bennett has skill, can make space and enforce when guys target Johnny, Backlund can be a second puck moving, two-way option. The downside is none of them are key finishers, but there's something very wrong with the 13/23 chemistry and if they had a falling out, I'd explore other options.
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I have always wondered why Backlund hasnt been tried with Gaudreau when games tighten up. Yes, he isnt a top line centre, but in reality, with the exception of finding an open spot to park and in tight finish(goals), he is a better player overall than Monny.
Backlund is probably our best player on the team for being able to skate with the puck and gain zone entry. If we want to compare the whole Chicago(Kane and Toews) combo, Backs is more like Toews than Monny in game play. Cause both Toews and Backlund are both solid defensively and are good possession players. Plus Backs actually plays a heavier game than Monny, in that he takes the body as well.
The only reason why I presume Backs hasnt been used to play with Johnny is we need him to play the shutdown role vs the other teams top lines, which would not work to the strengths of what Gaudreau brings to the team. Put Backlund in offensive situations and he is a 60 point centre with Gaudreau. Key is who can play the shutdown position.
For the playoffs this year, maybe dont worry about who is the number 1 or 2 line. Just play the game and let the players sort it out on the ice. Especially since the Mackinnon line was playing so much, the task for one shutdown line to play against them. Derek Ryan is good defensively, but to have the fourth line going head to head against Mack, isnt the best option.
Gaudreau Backlund Lindholm/Bennett
Tkachuk Monahan Bennett/Lindholm