Benji Frank
10-29-2003, 08:52 AM
I've seen a couple of games on the dish this year and he doesn't seem to be in the game? A couple of years ago he was simular and he finally pulled himself from the lineup with a shoulder injury!
Also, are him and management at odds over something? He apeears to only get around 20 minutes per night ... about 6 or 7 minutes less then he's capable of handling!! Maybe that's why he appears not into the game??
Are there any trade rumours swirling on him or is he still a big part of the Isles immediate future??
Thx for any info & opinions!!
CREW99AW
10-29-2003, 09:01 AM
Isles have a healthy Niinimaa and Sterling's determined to give Cairns and Martinek more icetime then Laviolette did.Less icetime for last yr's top 3 d-men.
Local press reported at the end of traing camp, that Hamrlik wants an extension signed asap.I'm hoping the lack of new info in the press means that Hamrlik's rep and MM are quietly working on an extension.
Hammer's ice time does appear to be limited but more concerning is when he is on the ice he doesn't appear to have the same fire or desire.
He also seems to be a step slower. It was very noticeable last night.
-19
Before last night Aucoin was getting about 25 min per game, Hamrlik 24,Jonsson 21, Niinimaa 20:30, Martinek 16 and Boots 15.
In tonights game Aucoin played over 33 minutes, Hammer over 28, Jonsson over 25 and Niinimaa about 18.
There have been a few games when the top 4 had close to equal time but in general Hammer and Aucoin get the most time by far because Stirling plays them on the PP for the full 2 minutes if they don't score. Considering the amount of pp time those two are getting, you'd think their point totals would be better.
I didn't like Laviolette going with just 4 but Niinimaa and Jonsson are too good to play as little as they are. Less is good but not that much less while Cairns, Boots and Martinek are getting +15 minutes. They should be closer to 10 and the pp time needs to be spread around between the top 4.
Do you think Stirling as a rookie coach might be feeling pressure from certain vets (Aucoin in particular) to get the icetime they were used to.