Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
It's pretty evident the top three forwards aren't getting enough ice time. The Flames are the same extreme as the Oilers when it comes to their top three forwards at 180 degrees. You don't want any similarities with the Oilers.
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It's evident based solely on one piece of data, but in the absence of context and on-ice performance it's not evident at all.
To me, I think Sutter hasn't been thrilled with the performance of that line so far, and thus they get less ice time overall. I'm sure if you compared this year to last year you would see the Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk line closer to the norm of the black line.
Huberdeau has struggled for much of the year. Lindholm was pretty ice cold for awhile too. Toffoli has been productive, but lacks in the defensive and skating aspects enough to warrant a lot more ice time.
I wouldn't assume a fault of the coach here.