I’m legitimately torn on the Sonny Milano demotion.
For a few games, it looked as though the Blue Jackets had something. Milano was on left wing with Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson, a line that fared well at even strength and looked like it had potential to contribute offensively – and with the Blue Jackets needing all the scoring help they can get, it seemed encouraging.
And a week later…it’s blown up.
For whatever reason, I get the sense that John Tortorella just can’t “turn away” from Milano’s mistakes like he’s vowed to do with others. And I have no idea why. Milano is far from technically sound and won’t be confused with Sami Pahlsson, but when he’s on the ice, there’s plenty of evidence indicating that the Blue Jackets are driving play.
Does he make mistakes? Absolutely. Are some of them senseless? We can go there. But there's an inherent risk assumed when you identify your style of play as "safe is death," and it's that risk is part of your DNA. Milano's puck management has been better – Tortorella has acknowledged as much – but he's struggling to get a regular shift.
In a four-game stretch from Nov. 22-28, Milano played at least 14 minutes a night. In the six games prior to that, he topped eight minutes only once. He's averaged 12 minutes in the last two games. In terms of his shot metrics, Milano's 5-on-5 Corsi (CF%) is 53.47 and when his line is on the ice, they get 55% of high-danger scoring chances.
So, I guess I should rephrase the original premise: I understand the demotion if he's not going to play regularly. What I don't understand is the basis of evaluation with the player, because he's not been given a consistent opportunity. What he needs to do is play, and he will get that chance in Cleveland with a Monsters team that needs offense. But the Monsters' needs are secondary, because the Blue Jackets need offense and they need Milano to be part of it.
10. FREAKING. DAYS.
The daily Star Wars section of this column will be filled with videos for the next two weeks. The Last Jedi opens Dec. 14 (yeah, I'll be there) and we're getting our last tease of footage before the real deal.
In this clip – which aired yesterday – we get a couple new shots and a different look at Luke Skywalker. I also recommend watching the full collection of TV spots featured in the video below:
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Here's more on the Milano assignment, from our own Sam Blazer.
- The Blue Jackets have a few players on the 2018 NHL All-Star ballot, and voting is open.
- Loved this clip (from Friday) of Nick Foligno taking matters into his own hands with John Gibson.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
