Quote:
Originally Posted by howard_the_duck
No doubt his 200 ft game has improved under Sutter.
Biggest thing I've noticed is the sustainable offensive zone time, though, and that's due in large part to the caliber of his linemates that better compliment his puck possession game. Johnny still drives that for the entire line, but he can play keep away on the cycle with Lindholm and Tkachuk better than he ever did with Monahan, opening up chances for them and the D.
What's always seemed to plague Johnny, especially in playoffs, is the fact his offense almost exclusively came off the rush. With better linemates (and Sutter's influence) the notable change is prolonged pressure off the cycle.
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This is true. Johnny has improved, the line has improved and the attack has improved. It was way easier to defend before. Quicker zone exits have helped a ton too, less time for the D to set up for Johnny's rush. And yeah, he's still carrying the puck the vast majority of the time. More often to the middle though.