Sounds like Ward really isn't burying the top line, but rather he has simply stopped sheltering them.
It may be an odd time to try this out considering it is the playoffs, but on the other hand it is a great time since that line is really not generating much, so by focusing on defence (and taking with them the opposing team's better shut-down players), they will be contributing.
Backlund's line contributes a lot more than what shows up on the stats sheet usually. They take the tough match-ups and zone starts in order for the top line to take the easier zone starts, so that scoring will be easier for them. I have said before that Gaudreau and Monahan both owe Backlund some money in making it possible for them to score as much as they do (not taking away their skill level, but having someone like Backlund on the team enables those players to have an easier time at scoring).
That line has been so hot and cold - why continue giving them the best opportunities to score? Make them appreciate the finer points of how to defend, and hopefully they will be better in the offensive zone. They have to battle for pucks more, learn how to strip pucks better, etc.
I can't help but look back at Monahan's 2nd season when injuries decimated the team, and Monahan had to be the 1st line centre. Monahan was so worried about playing the right way and against the best lines, that his offence completely dried up. He WAS playing defence really well, IMO. However, Hartley took him aside, told him that he does need to pay attention to defence, but that he also needs to produce. Hartley was intent on making him a solid 2-way centre. No other coach SEEMED (at least to me) to try and do that with him.
Also, I remember when Gaudreau first entered the league, that I used to make comments like "he is tenacious out there" and especially "he reminds me a lot of Datsyuk in how he comes back hard on the backcheck tracking his guy, and then stripping him of the puck". I haven't seen much of that Gaudreau under Gulutzan or Peters. I have started to see that Gaudreau lately under Ward.
I heavily criticized Ward in the month before the season was postponed. I thought some of his decisions were rather crazy (using Backlund on the wing is criminal - he is one of the league's best defensive centres). However, there is little (perhaps zero) to criticize Ward thus far since the Flames resumed. He is earning my trust.
Not sheltering the top line (I don't think he is using that line as a shutdown line) is fine with me. They NEED to learn to work harder for the puck, get used to working for the puck and whatever opportunities they get. It isn't hurting this team right now, and if it starts to, I am sure Ward will adjust. This is helping the entire team develop - now young guys like Bennett, Dube and Mangiapane who don't have all the confidence in the world can hopefully acquire some confidence, Backlund and Tkachuk can be rewarded a bit for all their hard work, and hopefully the 4th line with Ryan can find a bit of depth scoring 5on5 as well thanks to not also being buried.
I think it is a good decision that is paying off. I think the entire team will develop a bit this way as well. If the wheels start to fall off, it can be readjusted. For now, I think it is great that the top line has bought-in to playing 200ft hockey, and this team is winning. This will only make them better players, and if they want that offensive zone time, then they will have to earn it just like everyone else, and also keep earning it or Ward will just give it to whichever line is producing that night.
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