I find it interesting that as the season has gotten nearer the end, he seems* to have started playing the top lines more, and 4th line less. This suggests to me the goal was to not overplay the top players early, so they have more in the tank for the end push and playoffs.
Now, of course if we don’t make it, then that was all for naught.
That does not explain some of the other moves that are questionable, such as the PP questions, and putting the 4th line out after goals, esp. with the 3rd pairing. That being said, the 4th line & 3rd pairing combo. seems to be put out less lately, too.
*This is simply based upon viewing, and not any viewing of stats. I would guess that lines are still rolled in the late stages of the last three games, due to being blown out (Vegas), and winning comfortably (Ariz. and Col.).
|