They will be fine. Lets say we win 7 back to backs; split 6; lose 4....... = 40 points out of 68. My first concern is: How do they improve the PP. They need to improve this area.
Just more than last year, we only had 12 back to backs last year, looks like a lot more 3 games in 4 nights scenarios too. Just makes me wonder about conditioning, injuries, and Hank being rested when the playoffs roll around.... I think having Yandle for the full season may help with the PP this year, but I have thought that about others in the past, so we will see...
You raise a good reference point about conditioning and injuries. I really believe that the game has become so fast; yet, the rinks stay the same size, and injuries at season's end diminishes a team's chance for The Cup. I always wondered why the league would not expand the number of players per team. Then again they wouldn't have enough room on the benches. To me, this is minor. Expanding the rosters and size of the rinks is the way to go. But this league takes forever to make changes that mean something.
I stand by my original plan. I would give Staal, Girardi, Boyle, Klein one off game for every 4 games they play. Play McIlrath in those games. Staal and Girardi might as well be 100 with all the games they play. Boyle practically is 100. This would cut all their games to 66 for the season which is about right and give McIlrath a ton of games to break in with. If they don't like it, tough crap. They all have their long term contracts already except Boyle who won't be brought back next year. The goal is to win the cup. Not let them play 82 games and been worn out with the playoffs. I'd give McDonagh a day or 2 off as well during the season.
Not a terrible idea to give some games off here and there. There's a lot of regular season and playoff games on those legs the last few years.
Great point Kreider. Give the games off. The team should interchange 8-9 defensemen. It is the only way to survive for the playoffs. As long as team makes the playoffs, that's all that matters. I would not mind if they win less games as long as everybody is healthy for playoffs. For some this may be sacrilegious. So be it. Winning the Stanley Cup is the goal!
Not a bad idea but most teams don't give players games off during the regular season unless they're injured. Most players would get pissed if they knew they would be scratched anyway
True, but they can go in with a plan. That way everyone knows what's going on. That being said what do you say to McIlrath for he playoffs. That he's not going to play or it will be very little? I don't see how you would have the same revolving door in the post season.
