Quote:
Originally Posted by AC
Monahan has absolutely been a disappointment much like Gaudreau. But I do think a lot of Monahan's lack of offense is a result of Gaudreau and Lindholm.
At least Monahan has had multiple shifts consisting of hard work on the backcheck to get the puck back and give it to Gaudreau or Lindholm. That's where the play usually dies from what I've seen.
...
As I said, Monahan's lack of offense is a huge disappointment. But I see him battling out there to help his teammates, something that Gaudreau has basically not done at all from what I've seen. I definitely think Monahan would have had some success if he wasn't paired with Gaudreau through these 5 games.
|
This is what I'm seeing too. I said in the GT I thought Monahan was as physical as I've ever seen him (not a high bar mind you). But so often he was the guy finally getting the puck out in the D zone, he's not been in position to be also in on the rush.
Moving Lindholm for a fast guy up the ice in Reider helped. I'm wondering if Dube shouldn't be that guy though - he's a better forechecker and has better hands. And gives a second puck carrying option as well.
I generally don't like armchair line combo experts (it always seems quick fix to me). But assumiong Chuck doesn't play:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Dube
Reider-Backlund-Mangiapane
Bennett-Lindholm-Looch
XX-Ryan-XX
I don't care who the XXs are. This is bench shortening time, with Ryan ready to move up if Reider can't do it.