Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanCharles
I concur.
I think JG takes too much of the blame.
Can you imagine JG with a high end play driving center, with speed, like Mackinnon or Brazal driving up the ice with him.
When he is moving his feet he is an elite player, playing with a guy like Monahan causes him to float at times.
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With respect to the bolded, yes he absolutely does take the brunt of fan blame. Maybe it's because he's not an Iginla type (I think there are segments of the fan base that only like that type of player - big, bruising and can score).
Remember a few years back when Cammy was giving a post season interview and Millions suggested Johnny had to pack on weight? Cammy disagreed and said that isn't him. Just because a Cammy and St. Louis or even Mangiapane are similar height they have different frames. Meaning they are thicker players who can be strong or sturdy. Less observant fans want Johnny to do the same but he's got a slighter frame.
Cammy said that Johnny is effective because he's elusive. Cammy was able to always be pretty strong and could stand up against physicality.
To me Johnny has produced plenty in big games throughout his career but he's not going to be that put that team on my back guy like Iginla who was all power and toughness.
It's not Gaudreau's fault that he's kind of the only dynamic offensive guy who can consistently put up points by creating his own offense and creating for others.
I understand the frustration with the 5 v 5 results this playoffs but I don't agree that Johnny was unwilling or didn't try. What I see is a guy who always is trying to create - he doesn't shut himself down mentally (I think he's mentally strong player by how he keeps trying to attack, trying to make plays even when the game is going against him.
Gaudreau is a thread the needle type playmaker and dynamite off the rush. He totally transformed this team when he arrived on the scene. There are only a handful of people in the world that can do what he does on the ice. He needs help come playoff time but do you think a forecheck game is where he's going to excel?
I think CGY needs to look at how elite teams are not really forecheck teams in these playoffs. They gain the zone and attack in waves by backing the opponent off.