Steve MacIntyre knows his job in Edmonton is to protect the young guys; something he can't do from the bench.
Four shifts and 52 seconds: that's the combined stat line for the Oilers' Steve MacIntyre in games Friday versus St.Louis and Saturday versus Columbus. Against the Blues it was two shifts and 25 seconds while against the Jackets the shifts tally remained the same with a mere two more seconds of ice time.
MacIntyre isn't expecting to play 20 minutes, but two minutes is below standard even in a tough guy role. Sometimes less is more, but less than half a minute a presents the question of what is the point of dressing MacIntyre is if he's not going to play?
The 30-year-old's job is to play hockey; with an emphasis on protecting his teammates - something that is not an issue for MacIntyre. He will do it, but he also needs a chance. I think presence is a part of intimidation so even if the winger is on the bench, a cold, icy stare or a few choice words can make the opponent think twice about what he might do.
However, at some point MacIntyre has to be on the ice to play his role. Is two shifts enough to get into a fight? I guess it is; one can be enough. But finding fight partners isn't easy for MacIntyre and that is a problem. Does he, at some point in his two shifts, just go out and make someone fight him or at least try to? That can be easier said then done.
Solace can be found in the fact that the last two games are somewhat out of character for the way Tom Renney handles his tough guy. Going into action on Monday, MacIntyre has played in 16 games with a season-high in ice time of 7:33. The thing is this: Taylor Hall may not want any protection, but the way he plays he's going to need it. Hall plays hard and at times with reckless abandon. Edmonton has a lot of young, high-end skilled players (more if they finish 30th again) that require someone to keep an eye out for them.
MacIntyre is that guy, but right now time ... ice time ... is not on his side.
