Quote:
Originally Posted by timbit
Not true.
Sean has 4 goals and 4 assists at 5v 5 in 30 games, in the playoffs.
Johnny has 3 goals and 3 assists at 5v5 in 30 games, in the playoffs.
|
5 on 5 doesn’t mean the same as even strength. Even strength could be 4 on 4 or 3 on 3.
Semantics aside, the stats are not good regardless. 5 on 5 and the center ice position is absolutely paramount in the playoffs due to the tight checking and lack of space in the neutral zone. You need a good center who can drive his line’s play up the middle and Monahan has failed at that.
I know a lot of people think injuries are the source of his struggles, but I don’t believe that for a second. He’s never been fast or mobile and his goal scoring ability was always overrated. The lack of dimensions to his play and inability to produce offense outside of the rush has always been his biggest problems and its lead to his lack of productivity outside of the powerplay this season.
Elias Lindholm and yes, even Sam Bennett are different kinds of centerman. They don’t rely on just rush chances which goes away in the playoffs. These two can check effectively for their offense and I suspect, Gaudreau will be much more effective this year’s playoffs without Monahan dragging him down, assuming we actually make the playoffs which remains to be seen.