I'm starting to wonder if it's just not meant to be a good year, with injuries to Wick, Romy and Bärtschi comming out of nowhere, and the Wings finally managing a winning streak at the worst possible moment. I was already very pessimistic before the 2002, 2006 and 2010 tournaments, twice I was right, once I was wrong. Hopefully 2013 will tie the count.
Regarding the cuts, I didn't know if Simpson wanted to go with 8 or 9 defensemen, but I think he made the right choice. Now let's see if all 8 will play, or if one will be scratched. I would go for the 2nd option and use Gardner as a 13th forward and power play specialist.
I'm happy with the two defensemen cut, I was afraid Simpson would keep Helbling as Bezina is out of the team, and cut one of Blum or Von Gunten, but in my opinion the final choice is the correct one.
Stancescu out is fine too, even though considering that Simpson always had two defensive lines, I expected an offensive player to be cut instead. On the other hand, I can't understand not taking Rüthemann. He's a proven performer at this level, always managed to get his points, and also useful if he doesn't score. Last season, despite having a substandard club season and playing out of the top six of a team which lacked offensive depth, he still got the job done pretty well, so why cut him now that he played a better season? I'd still trust him to perform more than all those unproven forwards. I realise he played poorly yesterday, but if he was one of the borderline players, why not give him two games to prove himself?
And if the plan was to go with Bodenmann, Suri and Bürgler in offensive roles all along, why not give a chance to player with higher potential such as Martschini or Vermin, or to a proven veteran who can still perform well such as Jeannin?
Anyway, there is a reason why Simpson is the one behind the bench and I'm the one complaining behind my keyboard, so let's try to be optimistic!