Quote:
Originally Posted by FBI
What will hartleys stupid scratch be today? Monahan to complete the trifecta?
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Actually in retrospect I like the Baertschi scratch and tonight will tell with the Backlund. The quote was Baertschi wasn't playing a 3 zone game and it seemed everyone assumed it was back to his defensive play which had been really good so far this season. I think it was due to his offensive play. He had focused so much on playing well in his zone, as was apparent in the San Jose game where he was shown covering for Monahan, that I think he wasn't paying enough attention to the offensive side of the puck.
Last game I thought Baertschi was stronger on the forecheck, more aggressive with the puck and his creativity was shining more than it had in the last half dozen games. Backlund I think is in the same boat where he has been an amazing 3rd line shut down center but his offense has suffered and the scratching was to help him get his offensive game back.
I'm excited for tonight to see him back in the lineup and see if he can come back with the same gusto that Baertschi did.