Quote:
Originally Posted by traptor
I think the biggest issue with Monahan is not specifically skating speed (he never had high end speed or acceleration) or power of his shot (seems like he can still rip it given time/space) but it is his ability to execute quickly.
It doesn't seem like he's able to get into the right positions and then control/move the puck as quickly. This is apparent when looking at his turnover the other night that led to the goal. He wasn't able to get full control of the puck and move it as fast as he used to be. It's why he's not scoring as much either. He just can't seem to make those quick adjustments in his positioning then quickly gain control and quickly release the puck.
Time/space is limited in the NHL and I think his injuries have hindered his ability (agility) to execute with the limited time/space. He requires that split second more and unfortunately in the NHL you don't have that time.
I think this was a big aspect of his success before and unfortunately given his injuries, he is unable to execute with the puck like he used to. This is why he has still been decent at faceoffs and without the puck.
Unfortunately, I don't think he will ever be able to be the player he once was. He may still be able to redefine his playstyle however to rely less on quickly executing and more on puck possession through strength. However i'm not convinced he has that skill set or his body can handle that style.
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Yes, this sounds pretty close to me. Also I think he's been playing closer into the net the last couple years. Before he was scoring from where Lindholm has been - just a little further out. His last nice goal was with lots of time and space and the whiff from a couple games ago was with no time and no space.