Quote:
Originally Posted by belsarius
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.
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I don't agree with what you are saying. Baertschi WAS playing in all three zones and playing hard when he got scratched. That's why there was an uproar here on CP. It was a stupid decision to scratch him. He had been working his bag off and had been reported that he was staying late w coaches after practices to go over defensive positioning in situations on tape. So you reward him with the pressbox? If you try to sell me something different I won't buy it and I will suggest you weren't watching Baertschi closely enough.
Backlund has also been playing very well, especially on the D side of the puck. By far our best defensive/smart player all season. Once again it was a stupid decision to scratch him. Hartley gives him less than 10 minutes vs. Washington plays him with Bouma and McGrattan and then scratches him the next game? Backlund was 70% in the circle that night. Go with three centers and double shift Joe Colbourne vs. the Leafs? Dumb.
The big problem is there have been other players getting a free pass on their horrible play, yet you bench the kids who are giving it their all? This is supposed to be a rebulid. Bench the struggling half assed vets and let the kids learn their place in the NHL.
It's beyond obvious some players have a MUCH longer leash than others and I think it stinks, especially since we heard ALL summer that it didn't matter what you make or how long you've been in this league, if you get out played you will sit.
What a load of BS all that talk was.