Quote:
Originally Posted by dino7c
Yep, Kessel was a loser out of shape bum with no commitment...until he lead the Penguins in scoring on the way to the Stanley Cup.
Gaudreau didn't forget how to play hockey or get figured out in a few months....he is an elite playmaker but needs to play with top talent IMO.
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I think the ideal center for Gaudreau is a speedy center that can push back the defense and open up a gap
It would open up the space he needs to work around the top of the circle and dipsy doodle in the offensive zone.
The example to me was the world cup of hockey where he played with fast centers. They would drive the center lane with speed, pushing back the d-men, opening up space with Gaudreau. It's why Dube-Bennett have had success, they drive the center of the ice with speed and it opens up space on the ice.
It's why I want to see him with Bennett at C in the game tonight - Bennett has been driving the center of the ice with speed and that would open up room for Gaudreau.
It's also why I'm a bit frustrated with the coaching, if you are always dumping the puck in, then your center isn't driving the center with speed, and there is going to be less and less room for skill guys to work with.
I miss this version of Johnny Gaudreau that was a dynamic skater, he's looked slow on his skates to me this season (which is a separate discussion).