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Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack
my opinion is that Monahan certainly produces points like a #1 centre, but to my eye doesn't play like one (counter-intuitive I know). when I think of those other centres you listed, they spend a good chunk of their ice time bullying guys off the puck, carrying it into the offensive zone, and being the focal point for defenders to chase, leaving his linemates open for prime scoring chances if he decides not to take one himself.
when I think of Monahan's ice time, I see him skating up ice with the puck on Gaudreau's stick (which got there either from the defenseman or from Monahan immediately passing it to him early in the rush), and then looking for undefended space in the slot to pull off a quick shot if Johnny can get the puck there. that's nearly the opposite of the traditional centre - winger relationship, and it basically means your actual #1 C is 5' 9" and 150 pounds. that's why shutting down the Flames offense has become awfully simple this past year.
lots of people here believe that Mony's got untapped puck carrying skills in him. if he does, I will rejoice but until then, the way he currently plays puts a significant cap on this team's true potential.
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Agree with a lot of your points. The Flames have a very unique situation which has worked for a while, but the biggest problem is it can be very easy to shut down when things tighten up because wingers can easily be trapped along the wall, whereas a center can go virtually any direction up the middle. That’s why having an elite #1 center is so important to winning a Stanley Cup.
It’s a big reason why I believe James Neal failed here. Monahan and Neal are too similar in that they need someone to do the work to get them the puck and that’s a difficult thing to do. Neal has had success with centers who are puck dominant and can distribute to him where he can unleash his shot. Without that type of centerman, he was completely lost.
Don’t agree with those that think Monahan has untapped puck carrying skills though. If he had them, we would’ve seen it in the 500+ games he’s played. It’s a fundamentals problem in my opinion for him. He doesn’t skate exceptionally fast, I don’t think anyone will disagree with that. But the other problem is he doesn’t protect the puck particularly well either. He doesn’t utilize his big frame like a Draisaitl or a Kopitar can where they hold onto the puck for long stretches and draw defenders to him opening up space for his wingers. Monahan’s game is too cerebral, you stick a guy on him and he’s neutralized. So unless Gaudreau can make things happen, the line is shut down and it’s been the same story of this duo every time they struggle.