Quote:
Originally Posted by genetic_phreek
One of the things I think is highly underrated and underappreciated with defenseman is being able to get the puck to the net through defenders which I think Gustafsson is really great at. I'm looking forward to see him do this.
Most people might think I'm crazy to suggest this and I understand it's not conventional to bring a 4th line up to 1st line but one thing I'd like to see is Jankowski in Monahans role for a few games. Here's my justification:
Jankowski is big like Monahan, speed is similar, has a great shot, has shown the ability to score playing on the bottom 6 but I don't ever recall him getting a look on the top 6. What I think he excels vs Monahan is he's better defensively. He already has ice-time with Lindholm on the PK as well. Also this would be another way to see if Monahan could drive his own line. If that works, we could possibly have a decent mix.
Gaudreau - Jankowski - Lindholm
Tkachuk - Backlund - Mangiapane
Bennett - Monahan - Dube
Lucic - Ryan - Rieder
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I am intrigued, but also not the best time to do it. We’re playing against the best team in the league today.
If we can lock a playoff slot ASAP, or explore this during the preseason/beginning games of next season, it sounds great.
But as of right now, we will not be seeing Jankowski or even Bennett in the top 6. If one of Monahan/Backlund go down the first alternative is Lindholm back at C. Ryan is the second. Jankowski is an afterthought.
It’s a decent idea though. Jankowski, when given some top 6 ice time, does pretty good for the most part. The problem with him (Monahan for this matter) is consistency. It took him half the season to finally get rolling. Not someone I want to give top 6 ice time to when we are battling for a playoff spot in such a tight race.