Because most players that aren't elite (McDavid, Crosby, etc) get bounced up and down the lineup on most teams? Because this is only a sin to people who likely never played a sport that didn't involve hitting X to skate? This isn't Xbox where players are just spots in a lineup and sometimes younger players need to be motivated to come out and play?
Seriously, this isn't some mind bender. AA and Mantha both have long histories of compete level issues. Sometimes, when they are coasting, they need to be reminded that ice time is earned. You want to talk about Tatar and Nyquist? Well Tatar has been good for 20+ goal pace every season for the last 5 seasons and is on pace for 26 this season. As for Nyquist, until this season he's been one of the better playmakers on the team. And while both can and are streaky, neither are that way because they decide to phone in games for long periods.
You didn't answer the question.
Last year, when Larkin was struggling and looking like he really didn't belong in the NHL, how many times did he play on line 4?
When he wasn't backchecking hard and covering nobody on the 3-on-3s and letting his guy score, how many times did he get put on line 4?
I can tell you this. He played under 10 minutes once last year. If I recall correctly, he was injured in that game.
How about Tatar? Nyquist? They aren't stars. Shoudn't they be subject to the same rules?
How about Abdelkader? He had a TERRIBLE season last year. He played under 10 minutes twice. The game he got hurt and the game he came back.
So like I said - I'm all for accountability.
But show me that it matters for more than two guys on the team.
Right now it seems like Blashill is a coward who only demands accountability from the unestablished players.
Maybe that's why this team underachieves. Because the veterans get a free ride.