Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
The absence of derision from the two rookies means nothing. If they felt that way and told the media, I'd be much more concerned about them telling the media.
I'm not against sitting a rookie or young player, but I'm certainly not the only one who can't figure out why. Bingo mentioned it in his write up, numerous media on twitter were dumbfounded and many knowledgeable fans on here were too.
Did Horak not just make some comment hinting at it?
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OK...IF it is true...and it likely is...that Hartley plays certain guys over cetain other guys (the B&B VS Colborne thing notwithstanding) then you have to ask youself a simple question.
Why?
Why does Hartley do this if this is the case? If you believe that he is sitting some guys over others based on play, then there is little problem. If it appears otherwise then there has to be another reason. That's where we as non-insiders, have nothing but speculation to go by, even though there is a likely simple and easy answer. It means that the guys he is sitting are not doing what is asked in practice, or have attitudes that need a tweak etc...as that is where a LOT of the evaluation of who plays where and when is done. It only makes sense too.
Bob Hartley, like all coaches, has one job and one job only...try and win games. Thats the way it is that profession, regardless of the development angle teams like the Flames are on. Thats not to say that he cannot develop young guys WHILE trying to win, because it can be done...and i believe thats what we are seeing here in this city.
Self-preservation is a powerful motivation when it comes to a HC in any sport. So when he is sitting guys at times that make little sense to the fans, there are reasons beyond what we see/know. This thing is into what amounts to its first month of a very long process, and as such patience must be applied. Sitting a couple young guys a game here and there is very much a part of that...everyone just needs to relax.