Quote:
Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern
Loving how predictable the defensive lines are. Really helps stabilize the backend, and I suspect a huge reason why our third pairing has been strong despite questionable play early in the season.
Most recent prior coaches have rotated the 7th D through the lineup, either to 'adjust' for another team's composition (eg Prout), to motivate and encourage competition, or simply to keep the 7th guy fresh. I wonder if that pattern is part of why our 3rd pairing has been an especially weak point for the team over the last several seasons.
Instead, carrying Stone as our 7th doesn't compromise Valimaki's icetime. I'd argue the benefit of keeping the 3rd pairing together consistently has outweighed the potential benefit of keeping Stone in game-shape. If the unthinkable happens, we still have Mackey and Valimaki in game-shape and ready to step in if needed for more than a couple of games.
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Couldn't disagree more. The Flames need to start working Mackey and Stone in here and there to keep them fresh.