I didn't see the game, how was Torts bungling the player usage. Was it really Torts, or was Detroit creating mismatches and maybe forcing Torts not to play PLD as much because he was having trouble who he was matched up with? Who was PLD playing against during the game? Was Detroit short shifting guys to neutralize him? Sometimes matchups change how much time players get in a game. Sometimes they get more time, sometimes less.PLD only played the 6th-most minutes at even strength (forwards only). Torts continues to completely bungle player usage.
I didn't see the game, how was Torts bungling the player usage. Was it really Torts, or was Detroit creating mismatches and maybe forcing Torts not to play PLD as much because he was having trouble who he was matched up with? Who was PLD playing against during the game? Was Detroit short shifting guys to neutralize him? Sometimes matchups change how much time players get in a game. Sometimes they get more time, sometimes less.
That makes sense. I didn't think he was bungling the lines, I just wanted to know why darkandstormy was accusing Torts of screwing with PLD's minutes. A lot of things happen in any game that can cause players ice time to go up or down. What you said is probably the exact reason why his time was lower. And really, it wasn't that low. Some people just put stuff out there and don't explain why they are saying it.I think it was more about Milano and Bemstrom not being quite as effective, and several Jackets forwards - Bjorkstrand, Jenner, Robinson, Foligno, Atkinson, all having really good games. Detroit doesn't have the personnel to create matchup problems for anyone (okay Larkin, but he wasn't doing much last night).
That makes sense. I didn't think he was bungling the lines, I just wanted to know why darkandstormy was accusing Torts of screwing with PLD's minutes. A lot of things happen in any game that can cause players ice time to go up or down. What you said is probably the exact reason why his time was lower. And really, it wasn't that low. Some people just put stuff out there and don't explain why they are saying it.
I am thinking the way the game played out, and with Columbus getting the lead in the third, Foligno probably got more time because he is a better at defence and he was needed that way. I didn't see the game but followed along here and on nhl.com, so I am just guessing. I agree offensively PLD is better, but, I don't know if you saw the pregame before the Montreal game, PLD was talking about his line that game and saying it wasn't set up to play defence. So he knows he isn't as good defensively, and the way the Detroit game went, Fligs probably got more time because of his defence. In the Montreal game he was higher in ice time because that game dictated it. The Detroit game just worked out like it did. If anything, I would think Torts loves PLD because he is Torts kind of player.PLD is our best forward, without question. He's proven he can handle tough matchups. Why is Foligno playing 4 and a half more minutes than PLD at 5v5?
PLD is our best forward, without question. He's proven he can handle tough matchups. Why is Foligno playing 4 and a half more minutes than PLD at 5v5?
Granted Foligno isn't as much a threat in terms of scoring (PLD), and not as good defensively (Wennberg) as some, but no one IMO is as good at forechecking, creating opportunities and stronger on the puck; as our Captain is. He should be up there in ice time with either of them.