Despres might sit

Tuesday, 05 February 2013 17:47

Written by Dave Molinari

The Penguins' lineup for their game against the New York Islanders tonight at Nassau Coliseum hasn't been announced yet, and probably won't be for a while, but indications are that rookie defenseman Simon Despres might be replaced by Ben Lovejoy.

Despres had a rough afternoon during the Penguins' victory in Washington Sunday, but previously had been progressing nicely since being put on a pairing with Kris Letang.

He had a particularly strong showing during the Penguins' 3-0 victory at Madison Square Garden last Thursday.

Assuming this isn't a matter of injury or illness -- Despres was well enough to take part in an optional game-day skate today -- it seems like a case of tough love by coach Dan Bylsma, sitting a player to make the point that mistakes like shooting the puck over the glass will not be tolerated.

Young players are going to make mistakes, though, and conditioning a talented one to believe that his ice time could be in jeopardy anytime he commits one is a good way to stifle that player's development.