Quote:
Originally Posted by taxbuster
It can - but it takes the right combo of linemates to make it happen - two guys who can (1) hit and hit often to (2) create space for "the puck retrieval Johnny" to grab the puck so (3) the "creative Johnny" can do Johnny Hockey things. But none of that happens for the most part.
Johnny won't engage on the boards and that's mostly OK as he just doesn't have the size of physicality to do so (but other small players have....?). But Sean and "the utility RW" haven't fed him the way they should. Coaching? Maybe. Just cashing a fat paycheque? More like it, so it seems.
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Guys who can hit and hit often would maybe help with their forecheck game. But the bread and butter of Gaudreau and Monahan’s game is their production off the rush. They thrive together when defenses aren’t set.
So in my opinion, they could’ve really used a winger who’s elite along the boards defensively, who can stop the cycle, transition it from dzone to ozone effectively to take pressure off Gaudreau.
Although if they really wanted to change the dynamics, they should’ve found a way to upgrade on Monahan. Your centerman should generally always be your best puck distributor and Darryl Sutter has said much of the same and history has also backed that up. When your winger is your best playmaker and puck distributor, you essentially cut the ice in half and the opposite winger is less of a factor. Monahan should’ve been upgraded a long time ago, but this organization decided to go another direction and they’re paying dearly for it now.