Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I think it's silly to compare Baertschi's situation to Glencross, Galiardi, Bouma, etc...
This year (and likely the next one), is all about development. It's nice to get wins along the way, but that shouldn't make them lose sight of the big picture. For right or wrong, Hartley thinks Baertschi can be a better all around player and he thinks tough love is the way to get him on the same page.
Perhaps rewarding him with games even when he isn't buying in isn't the best thing for him future development. What's better.... play him constantly with no repercussions, get a few extra wins along the way in a re-building year and have him develop into a Marco Sturm; or make him want to work on his overall game by threat of being scratched and have him develop into a Marian Hossa (like many say he has the potential)?
With Glencross, he is a vet and what you see is what you get. Bouma and Galiardi also have limited upside and aren't likely to benefit from the tough love approach.
Maybe a better approach would be to keep him in the line-up and hope he comes around. I would think that is still an option later in the season if this tactic doesn't work.
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So if you're a vet you have immunity? Perhaps if a vet is playing below what he's capable, being benched is exactly what should happen. Too bad various coaches didn't bench Iggy a few games. If they had, perhaps things might have been different the past few years.
Bench the players who deserve it... not the rookie that doesn't and is playing better than vet who does.