I’m sure you’ve heard that training camps for NHL teams are taking place. With that, it’s normal for people to wonder if starters play in NHL preseason games.
Well, the simple answer is ‘no’, but the long answer is a bit more complicated. To fill you in, NHL teams play a series of preseason games prior to the regular season. The starters usually will not dress for these games and the teams will look to utilize their lower-ranking players to get a better idea of what their talent level is.
In other words, the starters usually keep a low profile during the preseason and let their backups do the heavy lifting. This allows the coaches to make snap decisions on which players to keep or let go. The starters obviously wouldn’t want to risk getting injured during the games that don’t really count towards anything.
To me, this makes perfect sense. I mean, why would the starters risk themselves getting injured in a series of meaningless games? And why take a chance there when the coaches can assess the depth and talent level of the team when it already has? This is why starters rarely play in NHL preseason games.
Now, this isn’t to say that starters don’t ever play in NHL preseason games. Occasionally, the coaches may put them in just to let them get their timing and teamwork down before the regular season. There are also some matchups during the preseason that may require starters in order to be competitive.
Overall, starters don’t usually play in NHL preseason games but that doesn’t mean it never happens. In conclusion, it really depends on the current situation and the coach’s decision.
For example, if the team is looking to improve its regular-season record, then the coach may decide to put the starters in to get a better handle on the team’s performance. Coaches also use the preseason to assess players who may be coming back from injury. If this is the case, then the starters may get the chance to play to see how their new team is meshing together.
On the other hand, if the team has a proven record and a high-performing player base, then the coach may decide to give the starters a rest and let the backups show their worthiness. This could also be seen as a way to challenge the team or see how the rookies have developed since they were drafted.
As for the attendance of nhl jerseys preseason games, it usually isn’t that great. The majority of the fans aren’t as passionate as they are during the regular season so only the most dedicated would go to the games. I can tell you from experience that the atmosphere in the arenas is a lot more relaxed and you’re unlikely to get into a heated argument over the outcome of the game.
Overall, nhl shop starters usually don’t play in preseason games. It’s a time for the coaches to review the lower-ranking players and possibly give younger players a chance to prove their worth. It’s also a way for the starters to get their timing and teamwork back in the swing of things. Plus, attending the games provide a much more relaxed atmosphere than you would find during the regular season.