When Craig Berube benched forward Vinny Lecavalier in December, it was because of Lecavalier's play on the ice and his lack of skating.
When he benched defenseman Michael Del Zotto that same road trip in California, it was because he felt Del Zotto was neglecting his defensive responsibilities to pursue offensive chances.
When he benched defenseman Luke Schenn at various points this season, it was because the young blue line was making mental mistakes on coverage that were costing the Flyers goals.
On Thursday night against the Capitals, Berube sat defenseman Andrew MacDonald for Schenn, who had sat three of the last four games.
This time, it wasn’t a straight-out benching.
“I got eight healthy D and I think it’s important that we can use everybody in different situations,” Berube said at the morning skate on Thursday. “It’s a team thing."
Well, now he has seven after Nicklas Grossmann's right shoulder injury suffered against Washington, which will keep him out three weeks (see story).
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Berube explained the move as one of strategy. He said he wanted a bigger lineup against Alex Ovechkin, Eric Fehr and Troy Brouwer.
The Caps have seven forwards 6-foot-3 or taller.
“Big team over there, and they have some big forwards who really cycle the puck well,” Berube said. “Including [No.] 8 [Ovechkin]. He’s a physical player. Need some physicality back there. Need to stop the cycle.”
Under Barry Trotz, he said, the Caps are “more structured” now, but they don’t take away the offense.
MacDonald, who was benched on Nov. 29 in New York against the Rangers, didn’t feel any better to find out his scratching had to do with size, not his play on the ice. He’s 6-foot-1, 190 pounds. Schenn is 6-2 and 229 pounds.
MacDonald has played pretty well lately, and was even or better in five of his last six games.
“No, it’s still the same,” MacDonald said, meaning it’s still a benching in his mind. “A coach’s decision. It is what it is. I have to be prepared to go back in.”
Asked about his own play, he said, “To be honest, I’m not sure. That’s a discussion I might have to have with Chief. I thought I’ve been playing a lot better. When I first sat out there, I think I was struggling a bit and I understand it a bit more. For me personally, I thought I’ve been playing better of late. I’ve come along.”
MacDonald reentered the lineup during the Flyers' California trip and went minus-2 over four games (including Columbus) but finished the month of December “plus-2” in 14 games played.