Scratching Andre Burakovsky is one of the stranger moves I've seen a coach make this year. The Capitals are a winning team, but they seem to do it through goaltending and voodoo - and Trotz definitely makes weird decisions occasionally, and this is one of them.
I don't really care how Burakovsky plays, I don't think any team who dresses Alex Chiasson, Devonte Pelly-Smith, Stephen Chandler and Jay Beagle on a regular basis should be scratching Burakovsky, it's insane.
Despite Missing six weeks with some kind of body injury (although the NHL is vague about injuries, this was most likely almost 100% nipple related) the Capitals are playing rough with one of their better forwards.
With points in only two of ten games since returning from his injury, Burakovsky has been healthy-scratched for the last two games. In the two games before that, he barely cracked eight minutes of ice time.
Trotz has sighted lack of effort and bad defensive play, and it's obvious he isn't producing at his normal levels, but Burakovsky is still the Capitals leader in possession and one of their best players overall.
It could be a case of resting him because he needs some rest due to the injury, or it could be one of the dumbest coaching decisions ever - either way, it is weird. Regardless, he will play against the Blues, although on the incredibly dumb line of Burakovsky, Alex Chisson and Jay Beagle. That's the way to get a guy going - play him with your worst players.
Though production is down - just eight points on the year (19 games played) - Burakovsky is a possession driver and always worth having in the lineup. It's a pretty indefensible decision by Trotz - in my opinion.
Also back today against the Blues, is Matt Niskanen who was injured and missed only one game, thanks to the Capitals recent lack of games. With four days off the injury came at a fortunate time and Niskanen luckily only missed a single game.
As the teams main penalty killer and overall best defenseman, it's a lucky break for a team that is chalk full of them this year.
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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