I'm just a little unclear why it's an unreasonable exaggeration to point out that scratching Liljegren for two games in a row has really hurt his play when we can all see the decline.
The unreasonable exaggeration was making the false suggestion that Liljegren is now "lost", and that Keefe told Liljegren that he needed to "play perfectly or he'd be out of the lineup" - neither of which are true. Liljegren's gone through ups and downs throughout the season all on his own, and there's nothing to suggest that any recent struggles are a result of him sitting for 2 games after getting roughed up. You've just jumped to that random assumption based on absolutely nothing because you dislike Keefe and the current setup, even while contradicting yourself by simultaneously arguing that pretty much everybody who didn't sit for 2 games has also been trash lately.
Liljegren getting lost as a result of having 5 days between games would, quite frankly, only further justify Keefe's decision.
Conversely, you think the coaching staff are brilliant for playing Giordano every night because even missing a game could set him back. I just don't see much consistency between those two positions. You either have to admit they hurt Liljegren by scratching him, or Giordano might be fine to miss a game here or there. I also don't know why fitting new defensemen into our lineup is a justification for scratching Liljegren but mysteriously doesn't apply to Giordano
Where did I say the coaching staff was brilliant? I merely said that it's not always as simple as old player sit = benefit, which is true.
Giordano might rest as we get closer to the playoffs, and that's fine if they think that will help, but we've just gone through a month where we barely played, and his minutes and responsibility have already been cut with the addition of McCabe and the 7D setup. Giordano's already been resting.
Giordano is a lock for the playoffs, and is likely to be one to play with whatever defenseman wins one of the remaining spots being fought for, so it makes sense that they want to test combinations with him in the lineup.
One thing is for sure... You, as an outside fan, don't have more information on load management specifics than the internal coaching staff.
