Quote:
Originally Posted by Buff
Phillips wasn't impressive in his first two games. He was being eased into the lineup and he didn't push the needle. Pelletier got the same treatment and after the 2nd game he impressed the coaches and he got ice time. This isn't Sutter treating Phillips bad because he's young and small this is Sutter saying "prove to me you're ready". Pelletier did, Phillips didn't. Pelletier's play slipped and he was sat. Phillips wasn't mistreated, he just wasn't good enough. Success in the AHL, at his age, doesn't mean an NHL job is possible.
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Phillips is never going to impress in that role - he's not a 4th line grinder.
That role works for Pelletier and Duehr because they can play that game - they can go out and hit and be quick on the forecheck in a 4th line role.
If you are expecting Phillips to do that then you are not putting him in a position to succeed. Which IMO has been an issue with Sutter all year - he's trying to force people to fit instead of adapting around the players with have and putting them in a position where there strengths allow them to succeed.