Gauthier's touch and playmaking has actually taken a nice step forward this year. He doesn't recklessly bumrush the net anymore but instead holds on and looks for a play. Which doesn't stop him from shooting or jamming the net, he's just more calculated than he's been in the past.
He's also good for 1 or 2 massive hits a game. I don't think he positions himself well enough for them to be consistent but every now and then he will catch an unaware defender and absolutely blow them up on the boards, which is cool.
Most importantly IMO is he's always jamming either the net front or the slot. If it's not him, it's Chytil or Lafreniere, but it's usually him since he still doesn't look to control the puck that much. Which is why that line is so effective, they all push their way into the slot and try for rebounds. It would show itself more if we had a little more skill on D *ahem Zac Jones*.
i think constantly being at practice with the rangers and being around kreider has been important for him in that regard.
Kreids usually got/gets 1-2 breakaways a game. Over that last 3 or 4 seasons he s Kreids has improved scoring on them.
There was a time where he wasn’t that good at all on the rush with just him and the goalie.
Kreids is a lot more comfortable now. He goes to his backhand, or he’ll make a power move across etc
Gauthier and Kreids both have that burst of execration. Both are big strong guys who protect the puck well wit their tree trunk legs.
he is like a kreider mini me In that way.
I think Gauthier picked up some valuable advice watching and working with Kreids trying to mimic what he does on the ice and it’s paying off.
He actually tries to make a move at the net now instead of plowing into the goalie at full speed or a weak shot.
He’s never going to score as much as Kreids but he’s absolutely been better. His level of Hustle is Also better under Gallant. Like many have said, he’s not playing so timid that any small mistake is going to get him benched.
Hopefully he keeps playing well and pots a few and his confidence goes up. He deserves it.
He’s not terribly old yet. Sometimes bigger PF guys take longer to have everything click. He can still carve out a knuble like 3rd line role, scoring around 15-20 goals a year.
Whether he’s a ranger for a long time or not.