Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
I don’t think so. I think they should send a message to Johnny that this playoff did not end well, and demote him to Bennett’s line
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If this was to be done, I don't feel like it should be felt as a demotion for Johnny, and moreso a different look that could form new chemistry.
Hypothetically if the Flames were to not move out a core forward, and could add a top 6 forward to the roster - let's say Hall since he's the flavour of the week - it actually gives you the opportunity to completely redesign the top 6, and see what line combinations could mesh together best.
Gaudreau with Monahan has become stale, because the league has figured Johnny out, and Monahan is unable, or unwilling to carry the play on the breakout when playing with him. Letting Johnny play with another player whom is comfortable carrying the puck into the attack zone themselves, and are a physical player would relieve some pressure off of Gaudreau, and could open up the ice for him, which he badly needs to be effective.
IF Flames can manage to get Hall, and have Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Monahan, Lindholm, and Bennett as their players to work with in the top 6, that's some strong offensive potential if Bennett can take advantage of the opportunity, and produce with players that are the best offensive players on the roster. Gaudreau would still get a lot of ice time, and who knows, maybe can get back to the 2019 season stats level if it works really well.
It would be sweet if a top 9 like this can be very productive, because come playoff time then, each line has a player that can be catalystic.
Gaudreau-Bennett-Tkachuk
Hall-Monahan-Lindholm
Dube-Backlund-Mangiapane