Acallabeth
Post approved by Ovechkin
I agree completely. Carlson has 2nd highest TOI in the entire league! And while he has the experience and confidence of a veteran and a champion, the pressure on him as the only good defenseman and a major point scorer on a very mediocre team is far greater than it is for the young guys. He's overloaded as hell, and honestly I think it's one of Carbery's learning experiences.The problem I have is not giving the older guys like Carlson a game off here and there so they can rest, or reduce his minutes in games where the Caps can afford to spell him a little bit.
I think over the last few (awful) games we are seeing fatigue. Physical for the older players and maybe more mental for the younger guys who've never played this much at the highest level of the game.
Lindgren is also very likely exhausted - physically and mentally.
I don't think it matters much.Even IF the team makes the playoffs, they are going to be running on fumes.
Yes, the guys won't be a serious threat in the playoffs, even winning a couple of PO games will be a success. Yes, they will have to play against a much better team. But all that pressure of a tough season will be completely gone if they make it.
And the young guys can't always 'learn from mistakes', they also need a success to learn from. Grinding out a goal of making the playoffs would be a big success and a very positive basis for the next season.