Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Wait, I'm confused. Are you saying that Johnny Gaudreau is having more open looks? Because Gaudreau is averaging considerably less shots on goal than last year, basically one entire shot less per game. Actually, he's on pace to average the fewest shots on goal per game since he joined the league. Monahan from the looks of it is averaging about the same as last year. I'm sure teams are defending the slot better because that's usually where Monahan is most dangerous, but this line's biggest problem is that they're not dangerous on the rush right now and that's been the bread and butter of #13 and #23 from day 1.
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I completely disagree that the line scored more off the rush, which you have asserted several times. They’ve always been more of a cycle low - get the puck to the slot line when they’ve been successful. They got their share of rush goals, and they had more with Lindholm on the line, but that wasn’t the bread and butter. And yes, Johnny, especially early on, was getting better looks. Lately he’s been doing almost nothing, so that skews the stats in a short season.
Monahan, despite the coverage, has gotten a few close in shots each game, because they keep looking for that pass. They need a better couple options - a Lindholm, Hudler, or even Wideman option.
BTW, if you’re hoping to rely on rush goals, you are going to be disappointed. Hardly any teams rely on rushing because those goals are far less predominant. And it’s not Sutter’s game.