Quote:
Originally Posted by Vito Andolini
It doesn't matter that he's played under Lemaire in the past. What matters is how he plays in these games. His backchecking display last night was flat out ugly. That's a tough pill to swallow if you're a coach trying to make the playoffs in a 0-0 game, in the 3rd period.
He averaged 21 minutes a game under Torts last season, with plenty of ice time going down the stretch. The fact that that isn't the case this year is more of a reflection of Gaborik's play than Torts stubbornness.
This, once again, is going to be a grind going into the playoffs. Torts is going to go with the horses that he's been counting on all year, rather than leaning on a fragile, somewhat lazy star player.
|
Once again it comes down to confidence. If any of you watched Gaborik last season, then watched his play in the Olympics (playing injured) -- you would see what a phenomenal impact player he can be.
Also note that in the last game he significantly improved his back checking after the mistake. That's the type of game I know he can play.