Hitchcock has no way to predict whether the rest will help or hurt the Stars. A break can cause a hot team to lose its edge. On the other hand, it can help veteran players rest and recover from minor injuries. I don't know that you can tell that and see where you are until after your first game. I think there are some pros and cons to it.
Older players take advantage of it and really benefit from it.
I think what you hope is the younger guys don't drift away too far mentally.