I used to think playing a dress rehearsal was important but my opinion has changed over the years towards keeping the important players safe until games actually matter. Risk != Reward.
Preseason is still a good thing to have for backups and developmental guys but no reason to risk a freak injury of a star, or place somebody important against a bubble player hunting heads hoping to earn a job.
Preseason is still a good thing to have for backups and developmental guys but no reason to risk a freak injury of a star, or place somebody important against a bubble player hunting heads hoping to earn a job.