It makes for interesting discussion between games.
And it's cool to sit on the sidelines this time listening to the points. Even if Burroughs has been an issue, it's important that we dissect the plays honestly, because next time it may not be about Burroughs.
As for the 0, 1, or 2 goals we "blame" him for, I'm closer on the 0-1 side of the spectrum. He was on the ice for a goal against, but it really wasn't his coverage that was bad. Would a better defenseman have limited the opposition's options further? Sure, but the entire line, including Rittich, sort of drifted off to sleep. Enough could have been done to mitigate his shortcomings.
Regarding the penalty, we either celebrate assertiveness/players sticking up for themselves or we don't. There are times where it can be undisciplined/not being smart about it. I think with Burroughs, it wasn't as egregious as most penalties.
Frankly, I wouldn't play him. But I also think people are getting carried away with blaming him for the team's woes like people used to with MacDermid.
But it's an interesting conversation nonetheless.
I'm fine with the discussion.
I'm not fine with the dismissal.
It doesn't matter who he is out there with, he is bleeding goals and opportunities lately with minimal icetime. Which is why I don't care about the 'blame' per se in that sense, dissecting a single goal for that purpose when it keeps happening is missing the forest for the trees. He's a liability that doesn't bring anything.
And no, I disagree we don't celebrate just any bullshit 'assertiveness,' a dude taking a bunch of facewash minors because no one takes him seriously isn't 'real' toughness.
In fact, his only 'toughness' this year was getting in a fight--and summarily getting his ass kicked--by Ryan O'Reilly of all people after surprise surprise getting easily sidestepped and making a dumb defensive play
his other 'toughness' was also selfish, he took a dumbass retaliatory boarding call because as per usual he couldn't handle the puck and got cleaned up behind his own net, then re-enacted swan lake with Peyton Krebs
So now in addition to all of the above you've also helped me realize he's not just a shitty player he's also a
selfish physical player, only sticks up for himself, will facewash a dude or two for teammates but won't get his nose dirty otherwise. Pretty sweet 5 minute a game liability, glad he's there.