Edited Apr. 20, 2023 at 7:24 p.m.
Quoting: CoachCoach
honestly though what is the story with Ruzicka? Just not getting the opportunity?
That would be my assessment. Sutter just doesn’t trust the Young Guys
When Ruzicka was inserted on to the Top-Line he was playing at a PPG Pace. Of course he still has work to do on his game, but Sutter demoted him and he still played well with Backlund & Coleman but then he put him on our 4th Line with Lucic & Lewis and he just wasn’t the same and got worse when they kept changing his line mates
I don’t blame Sutter for Huberdeau & Kadri’s lack of success in CGY this year or them missing the Playoffs, but I do blame him for messing with the Young Guys, not giving them fair opportunities and/or messing with their minds and self-confidence
Vladar was playing fine and then Sutter talked down about him, his play slid. I bet he made Ruzicka lose confidence, and start questioning things, which lead to over thinking and clutching the stick too hard trying to force things, instead of being confident and relaxed like he normally is
I think he’ll be a good 3C or Winger and Top-6 Fill-in, but he’s not a Defensive/Checking 4th liner