Quote:
Originally Posted by Macindoc
Unfortunately, the 12th forward or 6th defensemen can have a disproportionate effect on the outcome of the game in proportion to their time on ice. It only takes two shifts on the ice to take two bad penalties or make two bad plays that result in two goals against.
|
You can say that for any line realistically. Had the Flames had someone to police in the opener, personally I don't think the momentum would have shifted so much in Vancouver's favor. That and we also don't have Hamonic out for weeks.
As soon as Gubranson beat up Hamonic, you'd be remiss to not think the rest of the Canucks played more freely knowing they had the toughest guy in the game.
If having 1 guy on the roster that makes 8 guys play better, tougher, or more freely, this in itself justifies having that tough guy.