Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ1532
Engellend is playing well? He was garbage against the Ducks, did you see his giveaway on Kesler's 2nd goal?
And just like he did to Brodie last season, him being paired with Hamilton is killing Dougie's offence. In the 5 games that Russell has been out injured, Hamilton has only put up 2 points(in 1 game). His current 4 game pointless streak is his longest since November. Coincidence?
And by your logic, why not sit Engellend until Monday and then have him finish out the season in Russell's spot? I think Nakladal and Wotherspoon have struck up a decent understanding together and neither deserve to be scratched, definitely not ahead of Engellend.
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Yes, Engelland is overall playing very well. You can point to single mistakes but that doesn't prove he isn't playing well. I'm sure I could find a few mistakes by Brodie last game as well, does he deserve to sit suddenly? Nope. Engelland is playing really well overall whether you care to acknowledge it or not.
Sorry but saying, earned not given and then suggesting scratching Engelland ahead of Nakladal/Wotherspoon is basically the opposite of earned not given. Engelland has definitely earned his place in the lineup. He's much more solid defensively than Nakladal at the moment, that's just a fact, that's reality. There is zero chance Hartley would scratch Engelland and play Nakladal ahead of him IMO. Engelland is also one of our only big, strong defenseman who uses his strength and size to rub guys out along the boards and move them in front of the net. I know some fans don't appreciate physical defensive defensemen but the coaches and management do. Most fans watch the puck exclusively and you aren't going to have a good sense of how defensemen are playing defensively if you aren't watching away from the puck. It's easier to do live than on TV for sure.
Earned not given. Engelland has earned far more ice time than Nakladal has this season. I'm not saying Nakladal isn't playing well but you seem to not appreciate how well Engelland is playing at all. He seems to be very underrated by a portion of this board.