[Dion]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Come on, there's no reason Sven should have sat tonight.

He sat because he has a smaller contract than Stajan.

An explanation from Hartley...

Asked for an assessment of Baertschi’s recent play, the Flames coach said, “It’s been OK. With the puck, he’s pretty creative. But he’s a young player and we want more.”

“Just overall,” replied Hartley. “Overall commitment to learn the game in the three zones. To come up with great efforts every game. I always mention (Montreal’s Brendan) Gallagher to him. It’s a matter of choice.”

Baertschi’s response to the public scolding.....

“I’m pretty good at seeing things coming,” Baertschi said. “The way the last game went, I felt that they weren’t too happy. I don’t think I would be a big help on the fourth line because I’m not really experienced in that part. So it’s either first, second, or third line — or out of the lineup for me, I think.

“I have to deal with the situation,” said Baertschi. “I know how to play in this league. I know how to play hockey. So the thing is, things aren’t going well all the time. A few bad shifts and you’re out of the lineup. What do you want to do now? Just focus on what’s coming up. Forget about the game (Thursday) and move forward. Work hard in practice and get back in the lineup.”

“The main thing is, I’ve been really trying to improve my defensive game,” said Baertschi, who turned 21 earlier this month. “I’ve made some strides there. I’ve been working on it really well and I’ve been talking to the coach and doing some video. Now it comes down to the little details . . . that I have to do better. I know they’re getting better every single day. My plus-minus isn’t that awful. That’s a good thing for me . . . because I want to help the team offensively, but I also want to help defensively. That means preventing goals.”

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...353/story.html