I will back up Montag. He was noticeably more engaged shift to shift this year, and was better on the backcheck. Yes he still has a fair amount of work to do in his own end but he was hardly a "lazy ass" this season (unless we are talking about his lackadaisical line changes which is another story). At least he was trying for the most part and wasn't putting in a much more consistent effort. Call it a low standard but it's a learning curve that a lot of super talented young players go through and the fact he is improving is encouraging.
Oh I agree he was more engaged than he was his first two years. I just don’t think it’s reasonable to say “big strides”.
Short of a shift by shift video, we most likely will not agree, but this year he had several notable back checks and was not in full Mario mode, leaving the zone early. Which is good, but honestly it’s the bare minimum for a player with his physical gifts.
There is a reason why he can be one of the best transition players in the game, and be a top shot getting player, and as Ace honestly indicates every time he brings up this article, was the best player on one of the worst possession lines in hockey.
The frustrating part, and why it bothers me, both at Eichel and at the never ending fanboy don’t say a bad word about Eichel, not you, is that he is a straight monster when he gives an F.
The reason those backchecks are noticeable and can be counted on two hands, is the rarity of him doing it and the absolute superhuman ability when he does.
He makes good nhlers look like weekend shmucks with his stick lifts and box outs. If he did that all the time he could be prime Federov for a decade. He would be worth far more than 10 a year. But up to this point he seems satisfied with being great offensively, and waiting for someone else to get the puck to him in his own end.
