Written Option 2:

I could be having the worst game of my life, but as a defenceman with my veterancy (and current skill level), the coach can't afford to bench me. I'm getting out there for a shift in the final two minutes. I'll let the coach know that. No need to break out the white board and draw up some x's and o's for the coaches to go over and have a "eureka!" moment. The only thing I've gotta do is look at the coach and give him a dirty look if I miss a shift and I'm getting out over the boards for the next one. Not that I do this, but if I'm 100% confident that I can get us one, then I'm doing everything in my power to have the best shift of my life. I trust my teammates, too. No disrespect to them, but I've been around the block a few times and I've earned the trust to take a shift from a younger, fresher player.