I'm the first to get excited about guys, just look at any of my posts about Artie. I just don't see why we as fans, or more importantly why our organization has so much undeserved patience with guys. How is Nikitn not benched?
I live in NJ, I just watched a Ranger game the other day where Brad Richards was sat for an entire third period. Accountability. Look at the Maple Leafs - Komisarek in the press box, John-Michael Liles in the press box for undrafted guys. Liles solid play from last year doesn't matter, Komisarek's contract doesn't, they aren't playing up to the standard, their out. Accountability.
We seem time after time a team scratch a player (Brian Boyle, Tyler Myers) to try to get them going or send a message. But we only scratch young guys. What has Aucoin done with his play to earn back in? Golubuf outplayed him and is back in the minors.
Look at how teams react to losing. Ryan Miller absolutely ripping his team, calling everyone out. The other day, Claude Giroux calling his team out. Kevin Dineen calls the Panthers out...yet, with the Jackets, guys play poorly, but they stay in the lineup and with plenty of ice. After losses, it's just "had some positives but need 60 minutes" over and over again.
Dubinsky seemed like the one guy at least trying to step up or be vocal, and of course now he's hurt