Johnny Gaudreau effect. He's consistently shown the ability to transform 45-50 point players into PPG players. He did the same thing for Hudler as a rookie.
This is why I say Monahan would be closer to a 50-55 point player without Gaudreau. Still a very effective player but the impact Johnny has on linemate production is insane.
Also helps that Lindholm is a really good player and has been underrated for years.
A few Flames fans though have remarked that the JG-Money-Lindy line has been evolving play wise for the first time in the last few seasons. The saying was that it seemed as if the 3 of them are teaching each other their tricks and rounding out there game. Not only that, they're having success and FUN while doing so. Monahan has also recently shown a play style we haven't seen before away from Gaudreau. It was described as being along the lines of Monahan trying to drive his own line vs sitting passenger to Gaudreau's play making abilities. I think Mony's health is a huge reason for that too.
Johnny
- Improved shot (Lindholm?)
- A little more engaged in board play (Lindholm?)
Lindholm
- Improved finish (Mony?/good positioning from Gaudreau and Mony's playmaking?)
- Improved offense (there was a lot of discussion on how he had a ton of defensive play and meh offence)
Monahan
- Improved board play and puck retrieval (Lindholm?)
- Attempts to drive the line more, especially when separated from Gaudreau (Lindholm?)
But also, perhaps it's more a Peter's thing, but Gaudreau doesn't look as anxious as in years past. He looks like he's having fun again like in his rookie season and willing to get creative. Under Gully, there was a lot of "rinse and repeat" with Gaudreau seemingly giving up the shot too often rather than try to shoot it himself. This year, he's willing to shoot again and keep goalies honest/embarrassing them when the opportunity presents itself. It might be a creativity returning vs the mechanical play that life was under Gully.
There was a lot of upset Flames fans at first when the Peters hire was declared and early season when Peters was still figuring things out. Most were mad that Treliving didn't even bother chatting up other coaches (ie: Trotz, AV etc.), Tre wanted Peters after working with him for the world cup and that was that. Peters has been fantastic for us. He's been like a perfect combination of Gully and Hartley's best attributes.