Andrew MacDonald up, Brendan Witt out

by Dominik on Nov 15, 2009 7:47 PM EST in Roster Manoeuvres in the Dark Comment 14 comments

More photos » Stephen Chernin - AP

Overall play is in decline, but Witt can still draw opponents into foolish penalties.

Katie Strang reports defenseman Andrew MacDonald has been called up for Monday's game in Boston, as Brendan Witt is excused for personal reasons. Best wishes to Witt and good luck handling whatever those are.

MacDonald is a team-leading +3 and has 1 goal, 6 assists in 19 games with AHL Bridgeport.

In terms of the lineup, sadly I don't think this is a drop-off. Witt's role has been rightly reduced this year, with him no longer playing as many minutes (16:03 per game vs. 20:18 last season), nor against as difficult a competition. He is still one of the most-used penalty killers on the team (2:20 per game, just behind Bruno Gervais and Radek Martinek among blueliners), but by one statistical measure, he's had the weakest 4-on-5 results relative to his teammates. At 5-on-5, through 20 games the ranking is not much different (relative +/- as well as Corsi).

Last year was a perfect storm of circumstances (including a knee injury and a rushed return); this year I think he's been a little better ... but good enough? Perhaps for a 3rd-pairing role.

The next question: Does MacDonald justify my saying there is no drop-off? That one's tough, as MacDonald's exposure last year was in limited minutes, against weaker competition. And numbers aside, it's impossible to peg what effect a major personnel change in the penalty killing unit will have. But I'm looking forward to seeing how he's doing, even if for only one game.

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Didn’t we have this exact discussion the game before Witt had 2 goals? I want to see how MacDonald does in the NHL. He’s younger, maybe hungrier, and his body should be in better shape then Witts. Plus given his AHL stats (A point almost every other game) he might be another offensive minded dman. He leads the team (which is -10) with a plus 3. If he’s ever going to get a shot it should be this season.

by WebBard on Nov 15, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much this discussion, yes. I’m wondering if this gives MacDonald a chance to maybe join a seven-man rotation (Weight’s absence opens up a roster spot for a while), or if it’s strictly one-and-done, depending on Witt’s personal situation.

We don’t hear that much about MacDonald, but his AHL stats’ progress is encouraging.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 16, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup, it could also be that there are some concern about FMIV’s performance last game… and whatever Witter has to take care of might give them a chance to see whether they should have him up in the vacant Radek-spot instead of Freddy.

Lets go Islanders...

by TheMetalChick on Nov 16, 2009 1:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True. Witt and FMIV’s flaws might amplify each other, making it tougher for both of them.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 16, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe Witter can be saved for more physical opponents

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 15, 2009 11:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me or does Witter look like Bruce Willis in this pic?

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 16, 2009 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

BC, if memory serves, you’re in Canada, are you going to watch the CHL Subway Series? apparently rogers and RDS are carrying the games (webcast avail as well for 4-8$)

(dom, sorry, know clue how to private message on here – or if i even can on this site)

why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?

by bob l on Nov 16, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am in Terrace, BC...

we do not have cable at my house or satellite. I only get to watch NHL over the computer. I am considering getting webcasts of the WHL to see Portland Winterhawks games as they have two prospective first rounders on that team that I want to keep an eye on…when is this series?

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 16, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Six games, beginning tonight through Nov. 26. Further details.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 16, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Where do you get hockey games on the web?

Do you have to buy one of those packages or is it free?

Thanks

by Aqualung on Nov 16, 2009 6:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the NHL and the WHL have their own services

by BCISLEMAN on Nov 17, 2009 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome Aqualung

“Aqualung” as in Jethro Tull, or…?

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 17, 2009 1:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes - Tull. I also am a surfcaster and eat a lot of water:^).

by Aqualung on Nov 17, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

(dom, sorry, know clue how to private message on here – or if i even can on this site)

Mwahaha, everything is public here and being watched by the government.

No apology necessary. If someone doesn’t have their email/contact listed in their profile, this is the only way — and that’s perfectly fine by me.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 16, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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