Quote:
Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
Why can't he be Bergeron? It's not like Bergeron is big, supremely fast or all that talented (no more than Monahan certainly). It's all learned and the will to apply what he has learned. For the Flames to be champions, Monahan needs to try to become Bergeron (assuming all else is equal).
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Bergeron is a borderline defenseman with the way he controls the defensive/neutral zone play.
Monahan is a borderline winger with the way he resists the defensive zone/neutral zone play.
You couldn't have two players on further sides of the spectrum in terms of how they are able to manage their centre responsibilities.
We need to, at some point, acknowledge Monahan's weaknesses and identify a way to utilize his strengths without the weaknesses rearing their ugly head. Holding on to these pipe dreams of counting stats indicating an equivalency to the Toews and Bergerons and Kopitars will accomplish nothing - those guys may not be athletic freaks but they are pure centres who thrive at controlling the puck. Monahan is pretty good at reading the passing lanes, but he'll likely never take that step forward in his 200 foot game that we enter each season hoping he does. I doubt it's a coincidence Lindholm was acquired and immediately found himself as the defensive conscience on that line. Peters even alluded to Lindholm playing center next season.