Who Will Babcock Rest This Week?

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

So should Babcock rest any players now that we've clinched a playoff spot?

I'm guessing Ozzie will play another game to give Howard rest, but who else should rest?

Lidstrom and Datsyuk have played every game this year if I'm not mistaken, so it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to sit them for at least a game each. Rafalski hasn't had a break counting the Olympics, so he's a guy that should definitely sit in my opinion.

I know the team wants to jockey for a higher seed, but all these playoff matchups look equally tough and we don't know who will finish where. I think we have to look at the big picture and rest some vets. We won't have home ice in the first round anyway.

[Pavrik Zettersyuk 4]

We're still playing for 6th, maybe 5th. I don't think Babcock will rest anyone but Howie in that case, but who knows.

[stevkrause 1,247]

We're still playing for 6th, maybe 5th. I don't think Babcock will rest anyone but Howie in that case, but who knows.

There are only 3 games left, I don't foresee Osgood starting again, or any of the vets resting over that time, unless someone is banged up...

[Guest mindfly]

Maybe lidstrom as he played every game this season + olympics and he's 40 years old.. no other than him though.

[cupforwings 138]

There are only 3 games left, I don't foresee Osgood starting again, or any of the vets resting over that time, unless someone is banged up...

I thought I heard that Ozzie would play 1 more game? He probably should, he didn't look awful yesterday and it would be good to get him going in case he is needed in the playoffs.

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

If it was me, I would start Ozzie for the next game to give Howard a rest. Then Howard has 2 more games to get in some practice and get into playoff shape, considering the last game is against Chicago. There is a good chance for us to lose if we start Ozzie again, but at this point it doesn't matter.