What's weird to me is.. his play looked better individually with JT and willy.. he actually hasn't even been playing to that level that he was on the 2nd line (probably still trying to figure out where Mats and Marner like to go) but he has made a bigger impact with how Mitch and Marner are playing.. they both looked more fired up and dangerous for some reason?
Maybe just Gallys presence next to them has given them more confidence?
But if they're playing like this now when I think there's still another gear in Gally (IMO) I'd love to see it when Gally adjusts.
Again... Let's remember this is Ottawa though. So that could be a factor.
Galchenyuk is the most skilled linemate Matthews/Marner have had this season.
Thornton/Simmonds/Hyman have all played on that 1st line.
None of them are as skilled as Galchenyuk,
Yes, Hyman has a good motor and hustles, but, do you see the way Gally finesses the puck? Hyman doesn't have that skillset, and you can't teach it.
There's a reason why he was the #3 overall pick. TBH, he's the perfect complementary piece for Matthews/Marner, I think of him like a Chris Kunitz. He has the patience, the play making ability, to take Matthews/Marner's game to the next level.
Hyman skates fast and wins puck battles, but, he isn't an outstanding playmaker.
Galchenyuk can pass the puck at will, and, create open ice for his linemates.