Brian Burke: A Man Obsessed with Checking-Line Forwards

Last week, the Anaheim Ducks sent Bobby Ryan down to their AHL affiliate in Iowa. Ryan, who is affectionately known as "the guy drafted right after Crosby," has only appeared in 23 NHL games. His appearances have been sporadic—which is another way of saying that he hasn't been given a chance. Last evening was supposed to be Ryan's formal debut, and he was penciled-in to play on the first line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Instead, the Ducks sent out a lineup that featured Travis Moen playing on the first line. It was simply impossible for the Ducks to meet their salary cap requirements without demoting Bobby Ryan to the minor leagues. Or at least that's what Brian Burke wants you to believe. If you take a look at the Ducks' roster, you'll find five forwards who are capable of scoring. The rest of the forwards are defensive players who are really good at hitting and backchecking. Most of them cannot skate, score, or stay out of the penalty box . A few of them were inherited ... (link)