One of the main problems with the Wild is that they really don’t have a reward/consequences system for rotating D-men in and out of the line up. If a guy like Scandella has a bad game, get him out of there. However, to be fair, Scandella should not just be judged by that last game either. So give him another shot after sitting out a game or two.
- Brad Ratgen
In the past, Yeo has always liked to play a guy after a bad game to see how he rebounds. If he has a second bad game as a response, I'd think you'd see him sat down for a game or two. Knowing you may sit due to one bad game could have the defensemen playing a bit too cautious.
I can't really make a case for Scandella over Prosser other than to say the Wild likely see Scandella as a better overall defensemen than Prosser (and Stoner) when he is at his best. The issue seems to be his consistency. I think they will give him every opportunity to work through his inconsistencies and try to establish himself this year as a more reliable defensemen. I don't think sitting him down this early due to one bad game is going to help him through that.
I wonder if we might see the Wild carry 8 defensemen and 12-13 forwards this year instead of the more traditional 7 and 14. I believe there are several forwards they could shuttle between Minnesota and Iowa all year that do not require waivers. That gives them the luxury of holding on to guys like Prosser and Stoner without having to trade or waive one of them. It may also allow them to keep Dumba all year without being forced to play him every game.
I could see Stoner, Scandella, Dumba, and Prosser bouncing in and out of the lineup this year based on who is playing well and/or what kind of lineup Yeo wants to play based on their opponent. If Scandella shows better consistency, he likely has the inside track on playing most games.