They've been traveling for every game so far since like December 11th.. they are playing a very heavy schedule right now. Pezz gives them 4 minutes and then everyone else is playing up 2-3 minutes more a night having to double shift in his spot.
And they could have called someone up a long time ago.. Laine was out with the flu for multiple games, Heineman got hit by a car, Newhook was already questionable with the flu. The player not having practiced with the team is entirely a function of them not calling up a forward. They are operating without an extra forward right now.
If someone gets sicked, gets hurt in warm-up.. we have to go 7 D.. if two players go down in warm-up, we are playing shorthanded. It's just not a smart move.