Today it was announced during John Tortorella’s morning press conference that Scott Hartnell would be a healthy scratch for this evening’s game. Hartnell has been slumping as of late, the move to scratch him though is curious. His replacement in the lineup is Jared Boll, a player that adds very little offensively. So what exactly are the Jackets trying to do here?
Dressing Jared Boll = things that are good for the tank
— Sam Blazer (@Sam_Blazer) April 4, 2016
Funny. A few days ago, Tortorella said it was too late in season to be "healthy scratching" guys to make a point. https://t.co/nCOUKtcYRm
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 4, 2016
This move could be one of two things. The front office could be looking towards the offseason already with the “tank”, that seems unlikely though given Tortorella’s comments. As a veteran, he has proven to the team, time and time again where his value is and it is as a net front presence. The puck isn’t going in for him and rather then letting it work itself out, this looks like an opportunity to jump start him.
Does a player like Hartnell need that though? Is this scratch really predicated on a poor play? Can you really believe that it isn’t butter? These questions may have been more pertinent earlier in the season, now it all will fall on deaf ears.
Who says the end of the season is devoid of drama for non-playoff teams?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
