Quote:
Originally Posted by Voodooman
I think the argument that it was our fourth line, so what's the big deal with starting them, is a bit weak. In general, isn't the 1st or 2nd line the usual starters? How many times this season has Hartley started the 4th line?
His comments about it were a bit funny as well. Stated that they had played well, scored a goal last game, and given that the team is struggling to score goals, he put them out there. Seems like a bit of an eye roller to me.
It's hard to say what would have happened had Torts put out the Sedin line, but it's irrelevant now. He's definitely getting a suspension for the first period antics, I'd say it'll be 3-5 games, plus some $$. Hartley will be getting a $10k fine for his line selection. Putting McGratton out to start after the flying elbow in the last meeting had nothing to do with generating goal scoring.
I'm not saying the brawl was 100% Hartley's fault, but it does seem obvious that it was the intent in putting the meathead squad out. I don't have a problem with it, but his fine is deserved.
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Hartley did this quite often for the opening faceoff in Colorado and still does it here after goals or when a new period is starting. When the other team expects you to put your 1st line out he's going to put his shutdown line out. So instead Hartley puts out his third or fourth line to get the energy started and stir #### up, and then tries to get the matchup he wants on the fly. Pretty common