Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
I think he's just running out of gas. I know sitting him in the pressbox would make for a touchy situation but I really feel it would have been for the best if the goal is to have him at his best in the playoffs. I don't understand why Darryl isn't resting him as he's been the worst Flames player this season that's had a regular shift. Darryl has done nearly everything right this season so you have to dig to critique but what stands out to me is overplaying Lucic and his at times very strange goaltending management.
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Lucic's play had a stark drop-off in January and it hasn't gotten better. I feel like there's multiple minor injuries which sum up to the 'running out of gas' metaphor, but clearly the coach likes something that the fans don't see everyday.
From the pressers this season, I've heard Sutter talk a lot about the 'young' kids not being prepared mentally everyday, and how the good veteran player's in the league distinguish themselves with this preparation. My guess is that Lucic actually 'prepares' every game. That's the only thing I could attribute his spot in the roster to.
This isn't surprising to me though. I believe Sutter was also critiqued with regards to Dustin Brown's playing time and lack of production in LA. Brown had tendency to kill it in the playoff's though.
I think this is all part of the Sutter package, and why he has a relatively short shelf life when behind the bench of any particular team.