It took me until today, post-WJC-game, to realize that Kent Johnson is, indeed, Canadian, and not a Michigan-born U.S. player. I feel smart.
A lot of folks were bashing on Johnson during the game, especially on the PP, but I don't think he was that bad. He still looked electric most of the time. Maybe some of the decisions could've been better and his shot was off, but overall still felt like a dangerous player and somebody we'd benefit having on the CJB PP. Johnson as the playdriver and one-timer threat for #2 PP sounds good to me (then again having Laine and Johnson on opposite sides and Werenski feeding them from the top, just wow at the thought...).
Also can't help but think that this will do good for Johnson's confidence coming into training camp (as long as it doesn't go overboard with him becoming cocky). I think he will make the team. I suppose we'll have to live through a lot of turnovers in the beginning as he finds his footing but I'm ok with that if he can keep his offensive zone groove at a similar level as in the WJC!
1. I'm not as enamored with KJ's one-timer, he isn't able to hammer it reliably.
2. I see the best place for him as down low where he can pass to the bumper and across the net mouth, or use his hands for tips, sharp angle goals, wrap arounds, and lacrosse goals. He isn't an ideal screener but I've said it before that Laine is better without a screen.
3. I don't like to make plans for the second unit, because ideally you never take Gaudreau and Laine off. Elite PP players should play the whole two minutes (or score).
4. Compositionally I'd like to see
---- L
R - R - L
----- R
So maybe in a year or two:
------------ KJ
Laine - Roslovic - Gaudreau
----------- Jiricek
