If we win the cup that would be inspite of Trotz’s abhorrent “coaching”. The only other coach that could possibly think that putting a marginal 4th liner on the top line for a crucial playoff game is a good idea is Adam Oates. And there’s a reason why Oates hasn’t sniffed a HC job since he was relieved of his duties.
I agree 100%
There are players who are top 6 players - and players who are bottom 6 players.
Vrana was a first rd pick and expects/has skills to be a top 6 player. DSP has always in his career been a bottom 6 player.
Issue with putting DSP, the Beagle failure on top line, etc is it not only does it screw up the top line of Ovi/Kuzy because they now have a well below average offensive player neutralizing them - but it hurts DSP too. They put DSP on top line (or whatever else bottom 6 player) and they are put in positions to not succeed too.
DSP didn’t have success because he also was put in a role that wasn’t best for him. Then he is so out of it/does so bad/he even has issues being back on the third line because he’s been demoted and has to even go to fourth line.
There’s a reason there’s a saying of “top 6 player” and a “bottom 6 player”. Sure, some people can excel and do okay in multiple roles - but DSP is not that guy and never will be that guy... and that’s not his fault. It was a awful coaching decision and bad game management putting a player in position they aren’t likely to succeed.
Vrana wants to be a top 6 player... it’s what he’s been his entire life up until Caps. He EXPECTS to be a top 6 player... and has the talent to produce like a top 6 talent. DSP just isn’t that player. He’s a grinder - and he belongs on the bottom lines to succeed.
Trotz putting DSP on top line wasn’t logical... it was him being anti-youth again.