Quote:
Originally Posted by Parallex
It's not benched 1 game it's benched 1 game and put on the 7 minute a game line with Pluggers and Goons for 2 games. IMO Backlund is at worst the second best center on the team.
And this is done (according to Hartley) because he wasn't showing enough in the offensive zone... that's coming from the coach who starts him more in the d-zone and only gives him PK minutes on special teams. Yeah well, duh... he's not going to show as much in the offensive zone if you generally start him so far from it, if you give him linemates that have poorer puck possession skills (the 4th line wingers), and have him play a bunch while you're down a man.
Does Hartley think he's Crosby or something? because Crosby is pretty much the only guy in the league that's likely still going to show something in the offensive zone with coaching assignments such that Hartley gives out to Backlund.
Hartley is setting him up to fail. Pure and simple.
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Well when Colborne was on the 4th line - you saw the line gain the offensive zone and start the cycle. that is why IMHO is why he got moved up the food chain - you have to show something with the opportunity you are given