http://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nh ... -storyline
Turning the dial ever-so-slightly...
When Benning and Linden came on board and sold the re-tool idea, I was on board. Who wanted to see what Edmonton, Toronto or Buffalo went through? Even a one-and-done to Calgary didn't dim my outlook. The old guard was starting to look their age, but they still commanded respect in the organization.
Last year? Injuries at key positions, yada yada yada... it happens... still... compete, if not for the sake of the Twins while they close out their careers, then for the lessons such competitiveness could teach the youngins'.
Now?
Stick a fork in this team. Stick a fork in the old guard.
Stick a fork in the Sedins!
Willes is right. Save the press and marketing effort on the Sedins when they do their final lap around home ice. Otherwise, time for the organization to quit paying roster and press homage to the twins and start embracing the youth movement on this team.
Twins say that ice time is earned? Horvat's there. He's earned Henrik's ice-time so time to give him young linemates to take the Twins' ice time and invest in future chemistry. Willie, wanna good 3rd line? A couple of real experienced folks wasting precious ice time on the 1st line who can ride shotgun to their old linemate currently toiling there now.
If this team wins a game and no one under 23 scores a point, it's a loss in my books. The Twins, Burrows, Hansen, Edler, Tanev, Miller.... they are last year's news. Time for management to realize such and apportion effort accordingly. At least Burrows gets it.
In fact, I would welcome management stripping Henrik of the 'C' and giving it to Bo next year. Hank can get his nose in a knot about it if he wants (to his credit, we wouldn't know if he would), but it's time to signal to fans and the league that this era is done.
It's more than just trading vets at the TDD, it's about ice-time, coaching and call-ups from here on in. No more PTO Skilles. No more career AHL-ers masquerading as big-timers. If Willie is so good at developing youth, let him do more than hide behind vets and their ice time.
Youth be served!