Who stands to benefit from Faulk and Merrill possibly not playing, because as it stands now there is a real possibility neither is there. Faulk is back in Carolina, and with Merrill who knows. Even if USA Hockey isn't concerned about whatever character issues precipitated his suspension, you have to wonder about whether his lack of game time is a concern on its own.
But who would benefit from those two, along with Murphy, not playing? Those are veteran guys with experience, so I would imagine it either indicates other 19-year olds will have a better chance, or simply that players like Clendenning and Johns have some more room to breathe. A guy like Justin Holl, who is having a good start on a strong Gophers team, might stand to benefit more from Merrill and/or Faulk not playing than a 17 year old.
