Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
As he button hooks or holds onto the pook until someone takes it from him?
Scouts see that stuff too
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To be fair, if Gaudreau had a real threat on the other side or down the middle, and a supporting defenseman as another option, teams would not be able to key on him so shamelessly and the button-hook would be much more effective. If you recall my favourite Flame, Kristian Huselius, he basically played a similar style, but was very effective because he had Langkow going to the net, another threat on the other side, and Phaneuf in close support ready to unload that mother of a one-timer. When the QB has options, the other team cannot just blitz the QB and not worry about the receivers.
Gaudreau is obviously to blame as well for not changing things up and for his off-ice regimen and lifestyle, but he would be more effective if Monahan could still be a serious threat and defensemen were supporting the attack with speed. Another reason losing Brodie is vastly underestimated in terms of impact - he provided another puck carrying option (which this team badly, badly lacks) and had the speed and skill to play give-and-go, even if he is not much of a shooter. He was still very effective as an attacking force under Hartley.