Maybe it’s the pressure. But at the same time, he’s surrounded by Hornquist and Marleau....there shouldn’t be a ton of pressure on him.Really they could put him back with Sid and Guentzel. That way he’s not “the guy” on a line and can play to his strengths without having to feel that immense pressure.I also think he can't handle the pressure. I know the playoffs have been a sh*t sandwich for the entire team the past 2 years but he can't elevate his game. He regressed come playoff time last year.In regards to the third line's poor play, in particular Jared McCann
Does anyone here, during his time in Pittsburgh at least, believe he's a better center than a winger? Because I do not see it at all. I think it has been reported that Sullivan and GMJR feel long term that he's a center. But to me at least, he is invisible often when he plays center. And at wing, he seems to be much more of a difference maker.
We are stuck in a way because we really don't have a third line center if McCann can't do it, unless you think Rodrigues or Bluegar could do it, which I don't. Its too bad that Bjustad was injured because he could have filled that role. And a top line of Crosby Guentzal and McCann could be pretty dangerous. But thats moot now.
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I wanted to expand a bit in this to. I keep thinking of Malone. He would show flashes of what we thought he could be all the time but seemed to consistently flounder when he was expected to be “the guy” on a line. Once he landed with Malkin and Sykora, had his role simplified, and had clear expectations as the #3 guy on that line he excelled.
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I wonder if McCann Might be similar. He had that first round pick pressure and Florida half-way ruined him with that. He showed in the past he can play with Crosby and Guentzel. He kept his game simple, retrieved the puck, got in the right places to keep plays alive, and all around helped out the two better players on that line.
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As it stands now Sheary’s success playing with Sid seems to have been more of lightening in a bottle than anything. I really think he’s a square peg in a round hole on that line.
I just think he’s just a better winger. I really have yet to see him perform like he’s had at wing compared to center