Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
It's funny how Lindholm is statistically a "worse transition" player than Monahan and has had continually decreasing defensive metrics after becoming Gaudreau's center. It's almost as if playing with a one dimensional - high end puck carrier that the transition runs through has an effect on those totals.
If anything Monahan's totals at even strength are going to increase especially in comparison to last year where the injury absolutely derailed his season.
I don't see the center position being an issue whatsoever especially if Dube can comfortably slide over in a situation where an injury arises.
Outside of Gaudreau and Tkachuk this team generally lacks playmaking ability and creativity. That's my main concern.
I expect huge bounce back years from Markstrom and Monahan. Vladar's one game where he got hung out to dry last year really reflects poorly on these goaltending projections.
|
Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing Mangiapane - Monahan - Coleman at some point. I think that could be a strong line. Both wingers are defensively strong, and I think Mangiapane is primed for a big year offensively while Coleman could easily get to that 20 goal mark on a line like that. If that line clicks, while Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk continue to impress things then start looking pretty damn good up front. I like Dube-Backlund being the duo on the 3rd line as well.
Another good reason for optimism is the play of Vladar in the pre-season. We know Markstrom is going to get a lot of games (and so far, he's on track to bounce back to his pre-injury levels it looks like), but if Vladar can come in and give us the goaltending he's given us in pre-season consistently? That's a really strong duo.