We were told by Hitch that there is a renewed commitment towards playing the youth on this team -- that it's a "process". Let's take a look at last night's ice time and see if that rings true:
Voracek: 14:31 (7th best forward)
Brassard: 13:32 (8th best forward)
Nash, Umberger, Huselius, Phalsson, Modin and Vermette all had more ice time than these two.
Russell: 21:32 (1st for defensemen)
Speaks for itself.
Oddly enough all three of these guys finished either a plus or even for the night.
What does this tell us?
Not bad although I still cannot understand how guys like Pahlsson and Modin who have a combined 11 points between them get more playing time than Brassard and Voracek. Especially in a game like this when the Jackets need to...ya know....SCORE!!
I realize some of their minutes are on the PK and Hitch is trying to match them up against the Canucks top lines but that hasn't worked so far this year so why would it work now?
Even strength I want these kids playing more than the antiques. I obviously want them out there more on the PP. PK? Sure trot Pahlsson and Modin out there but even then I wouldn't mind seeing these two get some experience on the PK.
I mean why the heck not?
Use these last 38 games for experience if nothing else. Who cares if they make mistakes? Now is the time to make em. After each game go over the good and the bad but KEEP PLAYING EM!
It was good to see Russell get the minutes although the backhanded comment by Hitch about it being a problem when he's our best d-man isn't exactly how you inspire confidence.
-LTL
