Nashville Weary or Just Planning Ahead?
According to an article posted on NHL.com, Coach Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators made their practice yesterday an optional one. As a result, not many players showed up. However, Coach Ron Wilson of the San Jose Sharks decided to put the men in teal through a rigorous practice. This scenario brings in to mind one major question: During the playoffs, is it smarter to rest or to practice?
I can see arguments for both sides.
Rest
The NHL post-season is long and grueling; at best, a team will only have to play 16 times before raising Lord Stanley's Cup. That many games, paired with the intensity of each game, can really take its toll on a player. Consequently, it only makes sense to rest your team whenever possible.
Practice
Throughout the regular season, teams practice for a number of reasons; whether it is to work on specific game plans or just an opportunity to keep the rust off, practice still does make perfect. If it is logical to mix in practice with the previous 82 regular season games, then why should the playoffs be any different?
Bottom line
The decision to rest or practice should be based on a team's current situation:
- For Nashville, after losing Game Three, it makes sense to rest and regroup. The series so far has been very tough and physical, plus an extra day of rest may allow for Martin Erat to return to the ice tonight.
- For San Jose, after winning Game Three, it makes sense to keep the momentum going. The players are probably running high on adrenaline and a solid practice will help keep them focused. In addition, as many of us have seen thus far, the Sharks could really use some practice on their power play.
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Comments
I don't care if they rest or practice as long as they win...Tonight's game will be a good one.
Posted by: Moose Factory | April 18, 2007 01:43 PM