Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
That’s right, you see these guys enough and it becomes more and more obvious how to stop them. If you know that puck will always go to Gaudreau, then right away coaches can game plan around how to stop him and because the Flames have no other outlet options (especially this season), then this line has no chance of being successful. Monahan never goes coast to coast with the puck so no need to defend that, Ritchie has virtually no puck skills either, so they can ignore him. Even prior to this season, Neal is a trigger man like Monahan, so he’s no threat with the puck, same goes for Brouwer and Chiasson who were limited with the puck.
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Gaudreau is one of the most predictable players in the league. Watching games from home, even I know what he is going to do most of the time. He very rarely catches any anyone off guard anymore. He still has the skill to baffle average defenders, but when up against more elite and mobile defensive players, his effectiveness is limited.
Gaudreau is a very smart player though and I wouldn't be all that surprised if he adapts. Hopefully Sutter can help get him there.