I know this team is winning right now, and I know there's a lot to be happy about. And I know we've beaten the Glass issue to death. But I was troubled watching the game last night and seeing JT get demoted, then benched completely, after his first bad game in a long time. Given AV's history I think theres a chance he ends up scratched tonight for Shep and that Hayes line is broken up. And that's bs. Glass's play had gotten better, but these last two games may have been his worse of the season. Against the Caps he failed to jump on a puck coming up the boards, leading to a clean point shot; slid a breakout pass after a long shift 10 yards ahead of Moore without an ounce of touch on it, allowing the Caps to come right back in the zone while we changed; and made a crucial unforced icing late in the game because, again, he slid the puck away from everyone without an ounce of touch on it. Last night, he made a sideways pass at center ice that damn near resulted in a breakaway against if not for our defense, and looked like a middle schooler trying to field an excellent cross-ice pass that found him alone in front. He didnt even come close to controlling it, it bounced off his stick faster than the pass came to him in the first place. And this is after he allowed Martin and Wilson to run WILD against this team, as well as allowing Dubi to do the same not long ago. And he still never misses a shift. Again, I know this team is winning. But these ridiculously bad plays could be the difference in the playoffs. Good teams will capitalize on them. Meanwhile, JT takes a bad penalty an immediately eats bench. I'm hoping JT gets another chance tonight. He's been too good lately for one bad game to cost him time, especially while numerous bad games cost Glass nothing.
Let's hope AV sees how well that "3rd line" has played since Miller was placed on the wing next to Hayes and Hags, and doesn't go over the top after a bad game by Miller. I can see AV doing it, but I don't think he will. That line has been excellent, and I would assume one bad game by Miller, following a good game against the Caps where he scored a big goal, doesn't mean AV will scratch him. It is possible though. We know how he feels about Glass and how short his leash is with Miller. It would anger me if he did it.
JT Miller in his regular third line spot, Shepp in for Glass who is out with "upper body soreness." Glad AV is sticking with the kid.
What happens if Glass doesn't have upper body soreness...LOL. Either way I think this is our best lineup up front. Happy that's what we are going with.
Sticking with him only because glass is hurt imo. Wouldn't be surprised if glass hurt his hand when he was punching the helmet of the guy he was fighting last night
I like Sheppard, and he scored a goal, something Glass cannot do. I leave Sheppard in the lineup every game. He has a big body and nice hands. Solid 4th liner.
AV is a think headed moron with Glass. The dope wasn't on the 4th line and they scored 2 goals. Enough said. Sheppard made several nice plays. He's so much better than Glass it's absurd.
