I think I figured it out; in previous interviews, from before Gulutzan was coach, he said he will force a player back onto the ice when he feels they are drastically underperforming. If I remember correctly the example he used was Benn.
Wideman had a great season not too long ago. Had a slow season last year and then his confidence tanked with the referee situation. Gulutzan is giving Wideman the trials by fire treatment. He isn't giving Wideman first line because he's doing so well. He's getting first line minutes because Gulutzan thinks he's closer to a 56 point dman than the disaster he was last season.
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