Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Most players who were big scorers in junior didn't learn how to use their speed and skill when playing without the puck. They didn't have to. But this is the NHL. You're not going to have the puck on your stick all the time.
The train wreck in Edmonton shows what happens when you let skilled young players just 'play their game.' Playing both sides of the puck with the same intensity does not detract from your offensive game. Playing well without the puck requires strong skating and skills as well, which is why the best defensive forwards in the game are all highly skilled players. Baertschi's skills aren't going to erode because he's asked to play hard without the puck.
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That's fine but how do you explain Jackman taking his spot with Hudler and Monahan? What happened to trying to ice the best possible team? Sven had his ups and downs early in the season but he had chemistry with them and Hudler started off on a great points streak while Monahan also got off to a great start. Since Hartley started to fiddle with the line and remove Sven and bench him both Hudler and Monahan's play have dropped off. I get that Hartley is trying to send Sven a message but the best thing for the team was when that line was playing together and Bob seems to have put his personal battle with Sven ahead of what's best for the team.