WWYDW: To Rest Or Not To Rest?
By baggedmilk
7 years agoWith the Oilers locking up a playoff spot and the division title in sight, today’s WWYDW asks whether or not you would rest any of the Oilers’ star players before the second season starts.
We’re getting to that time of year where some playoff teams look at limiting minutes for their star players and looking ahead at the playoffs rather than focusing so much on the remaining games. With the Oilers being within reach of the division title, I want to know if there’s a case to be made for resting some of the stars or whether or not you guys think that would be a waste?
I tried to put together a list of reasons for both sides of the argument that you can either use in your argument or choose to ignore altogether. I’m asking you to put on your coaching cap and make these roster decisions for Todd McLellan so that he doesn’t have to. I’m sure he reads the website daily (probably completely untrue) and I’m sure he will appreciate the advice.
THE REASON TO REST
- Avoiding injuries.
- Vancouver is long out of the playoffs and they could have chippy players dressed that just want to make a name for themselves.
- Prevent Draisaitl from getting his $1.6 million bonus for landing in the Top 10 in league scoring. It would be a dick move but it would help the Oilers cap wise.
- Allowing time to recover from any bumps and bruises.
- Talbot has already played 1000 games this year and could use a few nights off.
- You could argue that it’s actually beneficial to the Oilers to finish second in the Pacific Division and match up against the beaten up, worn out San Jose Sharks.
- Sometimes your body gets tired, ya know? Maybe they’d appreciate some time to have a chocolate milk.
- Give some younger players a cup of coffee to show them appreciation and keep them hungry.
THE REASON NOT TO REST
- Home ice advantage.
- McDavid’s pursuit of 100 points.
- Talbot’s pursuit of 41 wins and the single-season franchise record.
- The team is also in pursuit of the 100 point plateau.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs two goals to get to 20 on the year which would give the Oilers five 20-goal men.
- Keep all of the players sharp heading into the playoffs.
- After losing last night we don’t want losses to pile up heading into the post-season dance.
- Who wouldn’t want to watch them kill the Canucks on back-to-back nights?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Depending how you see things, there is a case to be made for either side of the argument. Maybe you’ll say that the Oilers would be smart to rest some of their best players or at least limit their minutes in order to keep them fresh. Maybe you’ll say that resting players would allow for rust to creep in which would be the last thing you want before the playoffs. Either way, say it in the comment section.
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