To me Filatov's leash seems unfairly short at this point

Filatov has seen his ice time dwindle to a minuscule 4:49 seconds. What's more interesting than that is when you take a look at the TOI in the eight games Filatov played last season: Game One: 9:10 Game Two: 8:38 Game Three: 4:51 Game Four: 2:54 Game Five: 8:53 Game Six: 9:59 Game Seven: 7:42 Game Eight: 12:53 When Filatov played last year he got more ice time than he did so far this season. Now how can that be when he's a year older with more development time under his belt It's tricky.It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky) It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tricky) TrrrrrrrrrrrickyLast year injuries played a big part in his ice time, especially when he was recalled in January This year circumstance has played a big factor. The four games that have been played sans the San Jose game were tightly contested affairs.

Filatov's playing time has been dictated by the sheer intensity of these games.I also don't think it's a huge coincidence that Filatov saw the most ice during the Jackets home opener as Hitch had more control over who to line the young Russian up against. He also came off his strongest preseason games leading up to that game which gave the coach more confidence in him. Once they hit the road the games were close and Hitch road the veterans Result: 3-1 Still though... 4:59 Hey, it's tricky!It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky) It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tricky) TrrrrrrrrrrrickyHowson has stated that Steve Stamkos started off similar to Filatov last season.

Let's take a look: StamkosGame One: 8:25 Game Two: 14:53 Game Three: 6:05 Game Four: 9:22 Indeed Stamkos didn't storm out of the NHL gates with guns'a blazin (in fact he went scoreless through his first seven games) but he certainly saw more time than Filatov thus far. Also keep in mind it took a coaching change before he saw his time ratchet up. To me Filatov's leash seems unfairly short at this point.That was evident the moment Hitch benched him after a penalty in the 3rd period of opening night. Yes it was a bad penalty to take at a key point of the game but if a veteran commits that penalty he doesn't miss a shift. Filatov, on the other hand, didn't see the ice after his.To that point I ask myself aren't rookies expected to make mistakes and shouldn't veterans be held accountable for the same ones Shouldn't their leashes be shorter as they are the experienced players who should know better Klesla has had his share of bad penalties and in fact leads the team in that category with five minors. Brassard's four minute minor could have cost the Jackets the game in Phoenix Yet back on the ice they went You guessed it.. Especially in situations where games are tight and mistakes have to be few I guess it's kind of like eating out..

but he is also a rookie and there will be mistakes and there will be a learning curve.At some point he's going to have to learn how to play in these tough games right If not now then when If not now then why is he here If you aren't going to dress him only to bench him then that also means you're running the risk of overplaying someone else. There are already rumblings that Filatov may be scratched tomorrow against Calgary because they are a "heavy team".At some point he's either good enough to play in the NHL or he's not Enough with the excuses. Honestly, has he been that bad to warrant riding the pine this much If so then I haven't seen it. I don't think he needs to be playing 12 mins a game but certainly more than five. ..at a minimum why isn't he out on he PP more often He is 12th on the team in PP time averaging 44 seconds a game. This is an area he can be protected and he can contribute.I would argue he has the best one time shot on the team right now why not utilize it in these situations I've watched him closely and I don't think he's been much worse defensively or competitively than say a guy like Huselius. True he doesn't have the experience that Juice brings but if the team can compete with him they can certainly make room for Filatov.