Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
On the Monahan line I’ve noticed that defensive puck retrieval is often left to him, so he’d grab it, and then he’d have to choose a wing (usually JG) for the outlet pass. That puts him as the third forward on the rush.
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That’s true, which is a problem I think. It’s easier to move up as a 5 man unit when the guy right in the middle has the puck. If Gaudreau is the outlet, he’s got no one in front of him to pass to, one man to pass to behind him, the winger on the other end of rink and none of the dmen because they’re still transitioning up the ice. So that’s why I think the center is paramount.
I’ve seen Mikael Backlund on occasion make a defensive stop and navigate through the middle of the ice himself. He’s probably the best center on the team at breaking through traps and a clogged up neutral zone, but even then, his puck skills and finishing abilities are limited, so he can’t be your #1 centerman. So realistically, the Flames have to find that guy which is next to impossible in the NHL.