Last Season Johnny and Monahan were the primary leaders but not strong enough to lead the team through the playoffs. Monahan comes back more prepared but Johnny comes back somewhat disinterested. Coaches probably saw this issue, especially from their lack of play before the playoffs and early to start the season. If that current leadership was tanking the season on poor disinterested play they (Flames) had to address it. Business as usual, we saw a coaching change and some efforts to address the top line.
This season Matthew Tkachuk emerges and shows up driving the bus on many nights while Johnny and Monahan refuse to drive it. Tonight an important game for Matthew Tkachuk playing against his brother and a few key guys decide to pack it in yet again. Coincidence?
If Johnny wants to be traded he is going to find out quickly that he will have to make new friendships and that he will be leaving a group behind for purely selfish reasons. He and Monahan didn't show up at the beginning of the season that is on them. They took for granted the opportunity they were given and the team didn't buy it. There was a point where it looked like we were actually tanking the season. Those 2 had an opportunity handed to them including being paid millions and this is how they repay the organization!?
This is exactly why Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau are not fit to lead the team they are only showing up when they feel like it. It can't be an easy job for Ward to get all the guys buying into the same goal. If goaltending is not stealing games for us we would be in a lot worse shape. I think Backlund needs better line-mates because he is not a fit with those 2 guys.
|