Their two or three best chances went just wide. I would guess they had a ton more attempted shots. Still, don't let the stats fool you, they outplayed us.
I totally agree. The problem is he needs to play, but who do you move to the 4th line for him? Spailing is the only one that makes any sense, but he plays center.
spaling or bourque.. me personally, hornqvist.
wilson's skillset is wasted with two muckers.. doesn't make sense to me
If Wilson can't hack it on the 4th line then the only failure here is himself. Trotz isn't expecting him to create offense in the bottom 6, he needs to do the little things and work the system before he can even think about offense.
For example his blown coverage on the pinching dman had nothing to do with playing on the 4th line or who his team mates are. It's about littler things than scoring goals.
What makes sense to me is scratching Yip for Smith. Bottom 6 becomes.
57-15-33
13-28-24
18
Yip is still more defensively responsible than Smith. Sad, but, the case at this point. If Wilson wants more ice time, he needs to earn it. Halischuk is a 4th liner with limited minutes and a nice little number in his even strength goal column and 2nd on the team in es goals per 60mins of ice time with that returnee the only guy beating him in that stat.
Yip is still more defensively responsible than Smith. Sad, but, the case at this point. If Wilson wants more ice time, he needs to earn it. Halischuk is a 4th liner with limited minutes and a nice little number in his even strength goal column and 2nd on the team in es goals per 60mins of ice time with that returnee the only guy beating him in that stat.
I agree that Yip is better defensively, no question.
Yip >>> Smith defensively
Smith >>>>>>>> Yip offensively.
What makes sense to me is scratching Yip for Smith. Bottom 6 becomes.
57-15-33
13-28-24
18
or that lol.. would like smith and wilson together...
@Paranoid Android
I agree and think he could execute a little better in the defensive zone. but he just shouldn't be on a fourth line like he is.. just doesn't work for his skillset imo
I dont understand, before Wilson initially got scratched he had 4 goals in the last 8 games and he got demoted. I didnt understand it then. And then he does get scratched a game or two later and then gets hurt. Sooo I dont see how he has to earn it, he was playing fine before the scratches and injury.
I agree that Yip is better defensively, no question.
Yip >>> Smith defensively
Smith >>>>>>>> Yip offensively.
The 4th line is used as a defensive tool ... Yip's ability to play d and offensive play down low around the net fit that line's mission better than Smith ... especially against the Blues.
If Smith was playing well enough lately to handle 3rd line minutes then a Smith/Wilson combo there would present a threat in the offensive zone, but it would be scary defensively.
I dont understand, before Wilson initially got scratched he had 4 goals in the last 8 games and he got demoted. I didnt understand it then. And then he does get scratched a game or two later and then gets hurt. Sooo I dont see how he has to earn it, he was playing fine before the scratches and injury.
OT: We need to step it the **** up.
He was playing well in one aspect. That isn't playing well.
The 4th line is used as a defensive tool ... Yip's ability to play d and offensive play down low around the net fit that line's mission better than Smith ... especially against the Blues.
If Smith was playing well enough lately to handle 3rd line minutes then a Smith/Wilson combo there would present a threat in the offensive zone, but it would be scary defensively.
Very good point. I still think it would work, but i certainly see what you're saying.
I dont understand, before Wilson initially got scratched he had 4 goals in the last 8 games and he got demoted. I didnt understand it then. And then he does get scratched a game or two later and then gets hurt. Sooo I dont see how he has to earn it, he was playing fine before the scratches and injury.
OT: We need to step it the **** up.
Could not agree more! No room on this team....Free Willy
