BUFFALO — David Quinn said scratching Vlad Namestnikov in favor of Cody McLeod for Saturday’s match against the Sabres was more about McLeod than Namestnikov.
Though there is no reason to doubt the coach’s veracity, the case can be made Quinn inserted the truculent fourth-liner to send one message to Namestnikov: His performance, not only in Thursday’s opening 3-2 defeat to the Predators but throughout camp, is not acceptable, while concurrently sending another message to his team: When he says he wants physical, in-your-face hockey, he means it.
“Cody had a good camp, he played well, and I think he will bring a little more pace and energy to the group,” Quinn said before the optional morning skate.