[CGY12]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Things Johnny won't do in the playoffs:

- Block shots or cover the point or win board battles. Literally just floats around the defensive zone.
- Backcheck with consistency. Remember when he use to backcheck with speed and force the defense to giveaway the puck to him.
- Forecheck with consistency. Literally just floats around while Monahan and Lindholm retrieve pucks and win board battles.

None of these issues have anything to do with "talent", "skill deterioration" or "post-apex". They are 100% mental. Simply put, Johnny isn't willing to work hard enough or sacrifice enough to win. With Johnny, it's pretty clear that if he can't win "Johnny Style" he's not going to try very hard to find a way. Instead, he's happy to take a little bump, pretend his arm is broken on the bench and sulk.

It's one thing if Johnny isn't getting on the score sheet 5-on-5. It's another issue if he's a completely liability 5-on-5, which is exactly what he is. Lindholm played substantially better after getting moved off that line. The defensive pairing playing with the first line is hemmed in the entire shift when Johnny is on the ice. At this point, the flames would have a better chance of winning if Ward decided to sit Johnny 5-on-5 and only play him on the PP.

I'm not sure about you guys, but watching Johnny in 2020 has been the exact same as watching James Neal in 2019 for me. Absolutely embarrassing to watch the guy represent the flames this year. He's out there, just bumming around the ice, with no drive or determination 5-on-5.

I really hope for you're sake this is a joke