Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
You haven't backed it up with video evidence, what you've shown is one of the most absolutely classic examples of confirmation bias.
Our third pairing and fourth line is not worse than the Ducks' currently. It's fairly common knowledge around the NHL that third pairings and fourth lines are the worst parts of every single team. That's primarily why they're played the least, it's why they're the fourth, not the third, second, or first.
Just how little did you want them to play? As it stands right now, Bouma and Stajan are the 7th and 9th least played forwards in the entire NHL, of all players who have played 3 games. The only other team that has two forwards in the bottom 10 is Anaheim (with NYR not far behind).
What about Bart and Eng? Surprise, they're the third least played pairing in the entire NHL right now.
There is no damning evidence that points towards overuse of the bottom pairing or fourth line. I'm not sure what your theory is on exactly how much they should be played, but there's little evidence from NHL coaches anywhere in the league that supports your vision of how to roll lines.
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Confirmation bias is seeking evidence that confirms pre-conceived opinion. Fancy use of an internet catch phrase, but it is not an applicable use in this situation.
I broke down each goal scored by the Ducks this series, and determined that the cause of the majority is, (lo and behold) our bottom pairing and/or our fourth line.
That is NOT confirmation bias. That is evidence that supports that our third pairing and fourth line need to play less.
Bingo also did a more detailed analysis looking at player deployment over the entire season, with much the same conclusion.
Again, it comes back to my point that deployment league wide of players is irrelevant (which I think you missed). The Flames have who they have to utilize.
It doesn't matter that Engelland and Bartkowski are the third least played, if their combined play routinely results in a goal against. That means they need to be the LEAST played, or we need different players. Not that since everyone else plays their third pairing XX minutes a night, and if we play ours less, then we are doing it right. Look at the results, not the averages league wide.
If the players you have are costing you games, you need to play them less, or ensure that their play does not detrimentally impact the team. There is zero excuse for starting a period, or coming back after a goal with the fourth line or third pairing, all you are doing is handing the other team momentum on a plate.
What reason is there, when protecting a one goal lead with less than five minutes remaining in a must win game, that you put your third pairing on the ice. Give me a reason. One. Single. Reason.
Pretty tough? I agree. The Flames are being out coached.
Sorry Pepsi, you are out to lunch on this one.