Playing with Glendening and Andersson will definitely help prove that.
What has Helm done to show he belongs where he is? Pulkkinen isn't going to get many scoring chances playing with Glendening.
Pulkinnen's most common linemates this season were Sheahan, Larkin, Datsyuk, and Richards. He wasn't playing with garbage. He's only been gone a short time, have you guys already forgotten how "useful" he was?
I'm sure this is the place where you'll tell me his possession stats and goals. And here's where I'll tell you I don't buy them at all. I thought he should have been the odd man out when we were healthy. Despite his numbers he looked useless 95% of the time he was on the ice. He doesn't win battles, he doesn't hold on the puck with any patience, his underrated vision couldn't complete a pass, and his Hull-like shot hit the end boards more than it was actually a threat.
Datsyuk is slow and can't forecheck, win puck battles, or create separation like he could in the past. Thus he needs speed and someone on his line who provides those elements. Helm's hands have remarkably gotten worse so far this season, but he still provides speed and a guy who can force turnovers. Helm might not be the answer, but Pulkinnen's an even worse option imo.
