AS is right. From about 30 games on, Hamonic has played like a top 3 dman, he’s been better than Brodie overall this season or at least a more important part to the team IMO. Brodie of course generates far more offence, but without a doubt Hamonic is our top defender down low.
I think that if we had a coach that didn’t instruct his players to skate down the ice and fire shots pointless shots on net, we would be much better. Over the last week we’ve seen the D core more activated and the difference has been noticeable. We don’t need to play quite as high risk as Hartley did, but when you have a Dougie and Brodie, let the dogs off their chains.
Instead of forcing Brouwer into a possession style of game, incorporate him into the play. Have the dman pass the puck back and forth and then down to the dots, and let Brouwer create traffic in front of the net. The other C/W can skate below the net and set Brouwer up from the slot. Firing an errant puck at the net and then having Brouwer go and retrieve the puck in the corner is not his strength, because he’s slow and has poor handling skills. That’s Tkachuk’s strength.
Bennett has essentially been neutered. He plays a dump and chase style of game, which is fine but he has little support in doing so. The shots he is getting are usually very low quality because I can’t help but think he’s forcing things by following the coaches instructions, get pucks at the net. He needs support and better minutes more often with better players. He should be encouraged to play his game and create, which will lead to less frustration and less Benalities. Bennett honestly is a great match with Gaudreau. Johnny controls the play, Bennett has the speed to keep up to and is a menace down low. Bennett also has the skill the finish off many Johnny’s chances.