Originally Posted by browna
I understand the message. Last night's game, however, is a poor example, in theory of why those guys shouldn't be in the lineup. My interpretation, is that those guys are there to make sure liberties aren't taken with a younger/smaller roster. Fine.
This will be the third thread with this same message from me, but I don't care. Attending that game and seeing the Flames getting pushed around like with no response like that scarly reminded me of the 2002 days when we first got season tickets. Completely ridiculous that in a blow out game, the other team should then get away with what they did, with no response or pride.
-When Benn comes up and hammers Hudler, nothing is done.
-When the Stars pushed Cammalleri to the ground, then gave Monahan a facewash provoked Stempniak to fight someone 4 inches taller and 50 lbs heavier, all on the same whistle, though, you should expect some reaction from the 2 4th liners dressed for really, something that's basically their job description, nothing is done.
-When a team throws out the #1 PP to start a PP in a 6-3 game with 5 mins to go, with guys that have a combined 4 goals and 6 assists to that point, you expect that sort of disrespect, on home ice to be dealt with by the 2 guys dressed mainly for just that type of situation. Nothing was done.
Outside of the Wideman hit from behind on that penalty, and Smid willing to drop the gloves, the Flames, and specifically, McGrattan and Jackman, didn't do as they're mainly there to do.
Why nothing done? Well, the coach sent them out there on their usual (for the game) shift, once every 5 minutes. Clearly no orders were given to send a message back, otherwise those guys would be on more, and those two guys were more likley worried about taking a penalty and getting in the coaches bad books then standing up for their teammates.
IMO, there is a role for these guys to make sure that things don't get out of hand, supllimented by the guys (supposedly Bouma, though he didn't play last night and I haven't seen this from him and Galiardi), that are there to play more regular shift but still have an edge to them to counteract the opponents. Then, filter down all the way down to Gio who can and will fight when required, but shouldn't.
McGrattan especially is one that last year took a more regular shift and was a lot more effective, but IMO I think Hartley has these guys (Jackman, McGrattan, Bouma etc) scared of doing anything outside of his plan. Seems as if these guys are prevented from doing what they have instinct to do/have done their whole careers (and that is to respond), as Hartley wants their focus to be a tehnically sound shift.
Thus, instead of retribution, going off and taking some liberties as the Stars did with the Flames, they "work hard" and stay in the coaches good books and on the bench instead of popcorn row.
There is still a need for a healthy balance..pure fighters, maybe not, but rough and tumble guys that ask fewer questions before responding is not a bad thing...but after last night's embarassment, the guys on this roster meant for/having displayed that role aren't willing/able to do it when that situation arose. That feeling for me was infinitley worse then a 7-3 loss.
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