There is 3 games in 44 hours.
Does Ward risk the chance of injuring Roy, who at this point looks to be the long term starter for the Heat for the next while, because the backup is on a PTO? Heck no.
And yes, the risk of injury is very real. Even top conditioned athletes are going to run the risk of injury with 3 high level games in 44 hours. It's not enough time for the body to rest and repair in between. Goaltenders take a beating during most games with all the awkward movements. He needs time to rest or he will be hurt, that's a given.
It's not a matter of if he plays well, it's a matter of protecting what is now our starting goaltender for the foreseeable future. If he goes down, then what?
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