All too often teams over value games this time of year. For Ottawa securely in a playoff position the emphasis needs to be getting every one healthy and establishing 3 solid lines. Riding the top line to victories does nothing for the group as a whole.
Games against Oshawa and other teams ahead of them in the standings is about educating themselves about what each does, how they adjust to Ottawa's play and game planning for how to beat them in playoffs.
The Petes last year didn’t out skill Ottawa, in fact Ottawa won the last 3 regular season games. The Petes figured out how to play to beat them.
The Petes are a tough example. The Petes, in general, learned how to play. It wasn’t until the first round series against Sudbury where it looked like they finally had confidence. It wasn’t like that team ever dramatically needed to change its lines.
Strategically, there are many things that matter. One of them is to try to gain home ice advantage for as long as possible in the playoffs. Winning the division not only guarantees home ice in round one but also round two. It reduces travel and keeps the team more rested. It potentially lessens the length of the first series because of the quality of the team they play in round one. Winning is important.
HOWEVER, winning the right way is just as or more important. Strategically, if you are going to tinker a bit, do it against the weaker teams where they have some additional flexibility.
Additionally, you don’t need to ride your top line to victory every game. The weaker teams shouldn’t need to be approached in that way. If they are a true division winner, they should be able to approach games against the Petes and Barrie without needing to roll 2 lines and 4 D. But, when you play strategically important games, especially inter-division, you have to do what it take to win those games. IF that means riding a hot line then so be it.
