Right now he looks tired. Honestly, there is no reason to play him again the rest of the regular season. I've said it since early on. This team needs drastic changes. Starting with changing the idiotic philosophy of trading picks and prospects for rentals. That is the nonsense they did during the 80's and late 90's. It was dumb then and it's dumb now. It's a good thing the goalie prospects they drafted are looking very, very, good because Hank is showing age. He should. He's approaching 35 now. Halverson is having a great second half and he had an amazing first round of the playoffs steal the series from a superior Sarnia team. I think at 21 he'll be on this team and splitting games with Hank. Hank has been covering up for the defense of this team for many years. Difference is the defense would get it together for long stretches where they would only let up fluke goals, deflections or screens. Now there are guys wide open all the time. It's pathetic.
The rest of the regular season...you mean one game...LOL. The way you say it makes it sound like there are many games left...it is one game.... I happen to agree with you, nothing can really be gained from playing him tomorrow against the Wings, so give him a week off before game 1 at Pitt or at Florida. My guess is he will start tomorrow though and want to get one more game in to be sharp before having a 4 or 5 day break until game 1. But if it was my call I would rest him also...I agree. PLUS to me a loss is better anyway so we move to the Atlantic bracket (I know many of you disagree with that). And the Wings must win to make the playoffs, so they will be ready.
They should rest a lot of players - Throw the game and hope the Isles get a point. Florida is not easy but that bracket is ALOT easier than the Metro. This is a gift to this team they need to take it.
Raanta starting tomorrow. On the lineup tomorrow, "goaltender, Antti is going in. On D, at this time, we have the six healthy D that we have here. Those are the six that will play. Up front we have Viktor and Mats who are day to day with lower body. Oscar will go in and we will need to call someone up later on today." On Dan Girardi, "Girardi did not skate but is doing better. He is still day to day, not tomorrow for sure." Do you think he will be ready for the start of the playoffs, "yes." On McDonagh, "no. I saw Mac this morning but it's upper body and it's day to day."
Good move. Rest people. Rest Hank. Rest some of the forwards. Hrivik was called up. I think it is the right move. If we lose the Isles will need 1 point total against the Sabres and Flyers (both at home), and we'll open at Florida next Thursday because there is a concert in the arena Wednesday night.
Between resting guys and Detroit having more to play for I would expect the Islanders to grab the third spot and the Rangers opening in Florida next week.
I tend to agree Mess, which is the better path IMO, but the Isles could go 0 for 4 also. I really think that Sabre game is a "trap game" for the Isles. I use quotes because the Isles don't have anything to play for, and the Sabres have been playing well so how much of a trap is it really, but most would expect the Isles to win at home. But coming off winning their SCF game 7, the Isles might be real flat tomorrow night. And then the Flyers may need that game for their playoff lives. Or they could be out of it, which then would benefit us of course. I expect the Bruins to beat Ottawa, and most likely the Wings beat us, so unless the Flyers beat the Pens they may be eliminated by Sunday night in Brooklyn. Plus the Isles see what we see, and also know the Atlantic is the better path. Should be an interesting weekend. I could see the Rangers losing and then the Isles going 0 for 4...LOL. But I do tend to agree if we lose in regulation odds are the Isles find a way to get a point this weekend.
Honestly goalies can play till past 40, hasek, brodeur, belfour, to name a few. hank is going to be around for a while. he may be passed his prime but hank isn't going anywhere, he is in great shape, and is wanted here and around the league. hes not the problem.
