have you ever heard of prevenative measures? the team is playing it safe. we need to worry about having the guys at 100% at the end of the season, not now. yeah maybe they can keep going with their “injury” but why? with all the money the team has invested in them, a small time off to nurse a problem is a better way to go than a long time IR player.
Not to mention, have you ever played a somewhat competative contact hockey? hits on the ice are alot harder than they are looking on tv.