Quote:
Originally Posted by Crown Royal
The guy isn't wrong. Players get judged too much on expectations, not what they actually do and fans have a habit of making a player who didn't live up to their exceptions out to be garbage and one who exceeds as great.
Case in point. Monahan finished with the same number of points as Bennett in the playoffs, one has his one circle-jerk the other "isn't a #1C" and others want to trade him for a second pairing defenseman. Gaudreau had 1 fewer point than Monahan and Bennett and he's a playoff failure and "can't get it done"
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I guess if you look at the stat sheets that is what it will tell you. Dig just a little deeper though.
Two players are paid 6.375 and 6.75M per year and play together with former top 5 pick and leading goal scorer on the team in Lindholm. The other is making 2.5 playing with solid rookie in Dube and a guy who was considered the worst contract in the league.
Bennett matched them in points and also dominated in the physical aspect of the game where Monahan and Gaudreau were being pinned in their zone regularly by the Stars 4th line. Sure they made the Jets/Stars pay on the powerplay.
Bennett lead the playoffs in hits a week after the Flames were eliminated. He elevated his game from the third line.
It couldn’t be more clear why people praise Bennett’s playoff and were disappointed in Monahan and Gaudreau. When your third line is your best line by far you are not winning a round