Quote:
Originally Posted by wretched34
I think the easiest way to understand it, is that Monahan's role is to get to the slot, and let Gaudreau set up the play, thus Gaudreau carries the puck, or Monahan dumps it into Gaudreaus corner so Gaudreau can retrieve it and set the play.
This thinking of Monahan not being able to carry the puck, or set up plays is definitely blown out of proportion. in 2018/19, when Lindholm was first added to the top line, the dynamic changed to a full on attack line, with all 3 forwards carrying the puck and setting up plays.
With that, Johnny put up a career high in goals (36), Lindholm set a career high in goals (27), and Monahan set a career high in assists (48). This year for whatever reason they play very much reverted back to Johnny carrying the puck, and running the offense off the half boards, and all 3 forwards took a drastic hit in production.
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I get what you’re trying to get at, but I don’t agree with it. The top line in 18-19 scored the majority of their points on the forecheck. They turned pucks over on a regular basis and created the majority of their scoring chances this way.
If anybody wants proof, check AC’s highlights of just Johnny Gaudreau and count how many goals or scoring chances were created by their forecheck. It’s certainly in line with Ward’s tagline of “check for your chances.”
Honestly, I’ve never seen Monahan drive this line. He’s always been the guy who waits for Gaudreau to draw defenders, while he stalks in the weeds or in front of the net. Without a guy who can do that for him, he’s basically incapable of doing it himself. I don’t know how many actual dangerous scoring chances Monahan had in 10 games this playoffs, but I could probably count on 1 hand how many. The same pretty much goes for Lindholm and Gaudreau as well to a lesser extent.
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