I don't know if I agree with it (I might) but when it comes to preparation McVay's philosophy is that it is better to have a bit rusty, but healthy, roster than it is to have a roster that has played lots of minutes before the season starts, but they're dinged up already.
Clearly even the way he spoke about it shows the tremendous tension between giving guys enough playing time to get in sync versus keeping them fresh and healthy for when the games count.
I'd also say that McVay has some time ago figured out who his starters are (nobody is playing for a starting spot). So these games don't have any bearing on it. What probably is in flux is the depth players; young guys who are given a chance to perform. And, the less the starters play the more time the back-ups have to show their wares, and the more time the coaches have to evaluate them and hopefully make the best decisions about who stays and who goes......and probably where there are positions that need to be shored up perhaps via the waiver wire.
So, like any business, there's no perfect answer. There are good and reasonable arguments for any number of paths. You're always looking for a balance that gives you the best chance at achieving your goal. But you have to choose and stay committed to ONE. That's the hard part. And who knows what McVay might do next year as a result of what transpires in the 2017 season. He is a rookie HC after all. But he clearly has a strong idea of priorities and what matters most. Right or wrong.
