Quote:
Originally Posted by ah123
I only watched the first and third periods, and I tried to pay more attention to Monahan. It really seemed that he was in defence mode. He stayed back a bit more, didn’t go deep in the offensive zone. I am wondering if this is something he was told to do to help neutralize the Oilers speed (since he is not the fastest one out there)
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I also paid attention to Monahan. I know there was criticism of him the GT and PGT, but I actually thought he had a good game.
He was very aware and played well in the defensive zone. Good positioning, head on a swivel, active stick. In the neutral zone he carried the puck with speed a few times and had no issues gaining the blue line or getting the puck behind the Oilers defence. He's been doing this way better since they split him up with Johnny. His offensive game was quiet, but he won his battles in the offensive zone more often than not. Didn't generate a ton, but overall I thought he had a good game.
I think Sutter is trying to mould him into a more complete player. Last's nights game is a good example of a guy having a quiet, but effective night.