I think the best explanation for the 4th lines puzzling deployment is that they're some of the few players that are consistently doing what they are asked. But their execution with the puck is that of middling 4th line players. I don't think Sutter holds grudges on execution issues, unless it stems from other areas that are lacking. He sees 4th line players that are preparing properly, practicing properly, in the right position consistently, working hard, and checking hard. If all of those ducks are in a row, he can live with the results. Once the top end of the lineup gets on the same program, it bares fruit. There have been too few top 9 forwards on that program.
I'm not sure that I 100% agree, but I'm also not a cup winning coach.
It's probably a dash of Sutter stubbornness, but I think there's a method to his madness.
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