Quote:
Originally Posted by Kovaz
I've said this going back to the Gulutzan days, but Bennett as a C was never a liability defensively. He really struggled to produce offence when playing C, but he was very solid down low in his own zone, and he's always been elite at winning puck battles.
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Ward seems to see a bigger picture and is more flexible versed on player usage. Having Johnny play on other lines makes it hard for teams to zero in with a game plan to neutralize him. It also helps to reduce the giveaways since he doesn't have to do it all himself. His usage of Bennett as a shutdown C takes advantage of his unique skill set. If Bennett can get comfortable in his role we may start to see a much more consistent player. Finally we can start to see Bennett as part of the team and not have someone polarizing him by constantly bumping his threads with some useless debate! Taking Johnny and Monahan off the top lines also helps mold the team and give other skilled guys a chance to grow, demonstrate skills, leadership.
I think once the playoff roll around we will see vintage Johnny and teams will have a lot more of the Flames to worry about.
Impressed with Tobias Rieder speed, excellent weapon to wear down defenses over the coarse of the game. Really liking Ward's version of the Flames. From what I have read he seems more of a players coach and gets the team more involved in the decision making process. His management style screams more about empowerment and giving the players the tools to succeed as apposed to a top down approach. Top down = players doing it because they are told, empowerment = players doing it because they are part of the solution and want to do it.
Now if we can just get a more consistent effort 1st in the West can be had.