He had three of those against the Kings, all of them taken in the offensive zone in critical moments of the hockey game. Sure, between last night and early this season, he hasn’t taken a lot of penalties. But when he isn’t taking them, he’s not very tough considering his size. He lacks discipline and knows it, so when he can’t take penalties he stops finishing people off.
When he isn’t playing as physical as he could (I’m not saying “should” because I’m not sure I want him to play more physical anymore), he doesn’t bring anything really. He doesn’t have the hockey sense offensively.
When Ryan Carter, Kyle Calder and Joffrey Lupul are back from injuries, I don’t see where Artyukhin fits in anymore. I’m thinking Carlyle will try someone else with Koivu and Selanne from now on. It could be Lupul again or it could be anyone of Beleskey, Nokelainen or Marchant until Carter is back. It could even be Erik Christensen if he isn’t claimed off waivers.
Was that a joke? No, Artyukhin was benched after his third penalty so I’m under the impression Carlyle has given up on his undisciplined game. I know I certainly have. I’d much rather play anyone of those others mentioned in the top six. Not necessary because they would all do better offensively, but then at least Artyukhin wouldn’t play as much. He’d fit better on the fourth line, where he can do no harm.
While “R2” lacks hockey sense, he doesn’t add anything defensively either. I mentioned Christensen as an example because, believe it or not, one could argue he's better defensively. Artyukhin isn't that awful defensively, but don’t let size and strength fool you. He's a non factor defensively, he doesn't add anything in that regard.
We can sum up his play so far this season in just a couple of sentences:
1. When he doesn't throw his big body around, he provides nothing.
2. When he indeed does play as physical as he could, he draws penalties.
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