The hockey season is more akin to running a marathon than a sprint. But in the games they need to spring. So its the job of the coaching staff to watch minutes (and the nagging injuries they all eventually play with) so as not to let the players get too worn down.

(its another sport, but the theme is developed in George Will’s book Men at Work. That goes through several HOF players in a season. One theme it discusses: how the baseball atheletes deal with the 182 game season. Watch how the current Dodger players change perspective, from the bright eyed rooks to the seasoned vets.)

Given all that, I was at the game and Johnson and the rest of the team seemed in good spirits to me. They also note in their comments their at game 33 of the regular season: a long way to go.

Doughty had some bad turnovers/plays tonight.

I remember when Cammy first came into the league, every time he would score a goal his face would light up with a huge smile and he would get really excited. it was really fun to watch. then the next time he came up from Manchester he was a stone wall after he scored, much like johnson looks now. I dont like it, hope he gets out of that habit and takes notice of how Drew celebrates his goals.