Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger
On the other hand, a rookie showcasing their skills with other rookies and against other rookies doesn’t mean much except to prove he’s better than other rookies. It doesn’t do anything to prove he belongs in an nhl lineup. We already have the young stars tournament for that. We don’t need another one.
The nhl pre season is to find out which of those standout rookies can fit in with nhlers. Playing them with and against actual nhlers accomplishes that.
Plus it’s not like these really are top to bottom veteran line ups. They still have tons of rookies dressed and playing, often alongside vets.
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I think step one is proving a young player is better than other young players. We saw that in Penticton, but with a lot of walk ons, and not full prospect/AHL lineups.
Plus how often have you seen Ruzicka or Phillips or Zary or Pelletier with actual NHL players?
Ruzicka gets the first of those opportunities tonight.
The way the vets and PTOs fill in spots with young guys, and the next night all NHL lineups rotates we haven't seen any of that with the other three.
And I don't agree ... The Flames played their top goalie, top two lines, fourth line, and 2/3 of their defense core against the Oilers the other night. The Oilers are doing the same tonight.
That's pretty top to bottom to me.