to answer the question, I think he will get in one of the final two games if our seed is locked up. I think it is just the kind of guy trotz is. He will take care of a guy who busts his ass everyday in practice even though he isn't playing.
There's no real logical reason to play McGrattan from here on out. We have so many better all-around players than him who are fighting for playing time that it's unreal. In no way should McGratts be getting a game at this point of the season. Aside from being a heavyweight fighter, you can't make a case for him over anyone else. I don't care about "veteran presence" or "toughness" because he's not the only veteran or tough player we have.
There's no real logical reason to play McGrattan from here on out. We have so many better all-around players than him who are fighting for playing time that it's unreal. In no way should McGratts be getting a game at this point of the season. Aside from being a heavyweight fighter, you can't make a case for him over anyone else. I don't care about "veteran presence" or "toughness" because he's not the only veteran or tough player we have.
Seriously though, he is basically the only tough player we have other than Tootoo, and not just in terms of fighting majors [he leads the team with 6...] Tootoo is tough but he's small, and don't fool yourself with Guastad. I'm not saying he's necessary I'm just saying don't say this team is physically tough without him, it's not.
With the addition of Rads, he's getting squeezed out by the numbers. Especially because we're likely going to be in a dogfight for home ice down the stretch.
if we have nthing to gain or lose in our final game he will play. the entire scratch line will play. if milwaukee is out you will see some of them play. it has happened before.
I was talking with the DW tonight during the game about Big Ern, and she said she saw an interview here recently of a player in the locker room who's locker is side-by-side with Ern's, and that Ern's locker was completely empty - no skates, no pads, helmet, nothing. Said the only thing she saw was his name tag. Is Big Ern still practicing with the team, or has he already got his bags packed??
I was talking with the DW tonight during the game about Big Ern, and she said she saw an interview here recently of a player in the locker room who's locker is side-by-side with Ern's, and that Ern's locker was completely empty - no skates, no pads, helmet, nothing. Said the only thing she saw was his name tag. Is Big Ern still practicing with the team, or has he already got his bags packed??
The interview was likely immediately following a practice or morning skate when McGrattan was still on the ice working out.
FWIW, McGrattan is with the team in Colorado. They are coming back tonight and have tomorrow off. Playoff preparation begins Monday morning. While the Predators were down to 7 defenseman at times during the second half of the season, McGrattan filled in on the back-end dressing as a defenseman for practice. He is a very good team guy.
I am disappointed in trotz for not playing him last night. I wish there was another coffee with coach to ask him why. Meaningless game point wise, and I understand some guys were auditioning for roles, but you can't make me believe a guy like hornquist could have sat out and rest a bit. Seemed like a perfect opportunity to give the guy a game.
I am disappointed in trotz for not playing him last night. I wish there was another coffee with coach to ask him why. Meaningless game point wise, and I understand some guys were auditioning for roles, but you can't make me believe a guy like hornquist could have sat out and rest a bit. Seemed like a perfect opportunity to give the guy a game.
Yeah, but at least he gave him 30 games this year before he was usurped from the 12th forward role [he played 19 of 20 games at one point].
