If Philips wants a look in the NHL, he HAS to wrestle it away from someone else. There are a handful of guys who have looked more deserving. Phillips has been great in spurts, but has not been making enough of an impact.
I think that considering waivers and asset management, this is Ruzicka's spot to lose (top 9 - don't think Phillips is in competition for a 4th line spot). I also think Zary has been much better. Klapka too, but I think Klapka is a bit raw yet and needs some time in the AHL (but he has been great on the forecheck, and made some really good defensive plays on the backcheck too, in addition to the goal he scored and even some great playmaking, like the pass to Pettersen).
Nobody is going to hold Phillips back if he earns a shot. I just think he has to be consistently better than someone who is not waiver eligible ahead of him, and I don't think you can make the case for that right now.
I think this is a Ruzicka - Milano showdown, with Zary being the guy forcing the organization to look at him. I think Ruzicka 'wins' that top 9 spot.
|