Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cobra
If that was still the case, the Flames might be in a playoff spot.
You have described what Johnny used to be. Ultra elite. He is now a decent offensive talent who occasionally freezes defenders......
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It's not like Johnny Gaudreau just woke up one day and forgot how to play the game of hockey or something. Is he playing with a ton of confidence? No. But it's his mind and instincts that makes him special and that doesn't just go away.
It's pretty simple IMO, the Flames have a glaring weakness. Their best playmakers and primary puck handlers are their wingers and that's just too easy to defend because if the play is always being driven up the wall, you essentially cut the ice in half which makes defending the Flames so much easier.
Is it a surprise to anyone that the top 3 teams in this division just happen to have the best centers? Or that that every Stanley Cup winner since the 04-05 lockout have had a true #1 center or an elite 1-2 punch up the middle? This organization took too long to recognize this and haven't done enough to address this issue. If Gaudreau played with an elite #1 center who could drive play, I have no doubt that he'd probably be a perennial Art Ross Trophy candidate. He'd benefit greatly from playing off the puck more, using his deception, quick first step, hard cuts and ability to turn on a dime more.