The Giants will be without four key players this weekend as Paul Sample and Andrew Martin join Bobby Robins and Paul Deniset in the treatment room. The Giants hit the road to face Cardiff Devils tonight and then a top of the table clash with Sheffield tomorrow. It is going to take one heck of an effort just to get points out of the weekend never mind all four. I don’t really like the term ‘key’ players because at this level were benches are short enough as it is and imports are limited and ice time high then every player is key. Playing without four them them is a nightmare.

People are going to wonder what is wrong; Did we sign injury prone players, is it just severe bad luck or is it the fact that there are so many games with the short benches and players playing big minutes which takes its toll on the body? I tend to wonder if it is the latter because we aren’t the only team in the league having problems with injuries. As import levels go down, the ice time and responsibility on the imports signed goes up.

Andrew Martin is the biggest problem right now. He is one of the most talented players on the team but has spent more time in the proverbial press-box during games than on the ice. WIth the Giants carrying one more import player than allowed but getting away with it thanks to the fact they always have at least one man injured the question has been asked who will be cut, if and when, everyone becomes healthy.

Andrew Martin’s name is at the top of that list more and more. As much as his presence on the ice would be a loss, we’ve been playing without it most of the season anyway. That is all “ifs and buts” however as I am beginning to think we’ll never have a healthy team this season considering we’ve only two months to go. It might be worth the risk of bringing in yet another player on a short term contract while the team are so short because playing with so few players is only going to put more strain on those playing and run the risk of even more injuries.

The team sizes and import levels is something the league should look at in my book for fans to get their money’s worth. I know I wouldn’t be happy forking out money in these difficult financial times to see the Giants play with about 12 players and so out of energy by the half-way mark of the game.

On the subject: Andrew Martin, Bobby Robins, Injuries, Manchester Phoenix, Paul Deniset, Paul Sample, Sheffield Steelers | ALL SUBJECTS |

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