Agreed. It seems that Michkov and the youngsters are getting opportunities consistently, that is what is important. As long as this continues, it is up to the players to earn larger roles, that builds a winning culture.
Of course, you don’t want young players thrown permanently into the doghouse when they struggle. But I don’t see that happening under Tocchet. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think I’m seeing give the young guys an opportunity until they struggle, reset, and then look for another opportunity for them to contribute. At some point they will either play consistently enough to earn more rope, or maybe they’ll never develop enough to do that. Obviously, with Michkov because of his talent, the resets are short and the opportunities will be greater.
Maybe I’m wrong on this, but I think there has been some debate about the handling of Martone vs Michkov. From a very superficial look at it, it seems to me that Martone has consistently made a very positive impact with his play since the start. Again, maybe I’m wrong about that. Until he struggles, why would they consider reducing his ice time in favor of Michkov’s? Honestly, I can’t recall Michkov producing at this level even over a ten game period very much in his career, maybe once or twice in two years.
Let’s see what happens. Maybe Martone starts to struggle and they treat him the same way. Maybe he doesn’t.
Honestly asking the question because I don’t know hockey that well and would like to hear from Lego on this. It seems that Martone is making a real impact. It may not last, but for now it continues so you can’t just stop playing him as much anticipating it won’t. Have we seen this level of play over a sustained period of time from Michkov and if so, how often?
