Many rules have exceptions.
In hockey, it often comes when a highly-paid starting goaltender stumbles.
The general rule is repercussions for poor player performance. Others members of the Calgary Flames have experienced it over the first quarter of the NHL season. Michael Frolik was a healthy scratch when his efforts in early games didn’t match his pace from practice. Mark Jankowski has also spent time in the press box, along with defenceman Michael Stone.
Even $5.75-million, three-goal man James Neal was stapled to the bench in San Jose on the weekend because of his inability to ignite his offence.