cross16

What I find interesting about this is the top 9 is finally settling into place. I still don't love the top line but they are playing pretty solid, Ruzicka/Backs/Coleman is playing excellent and while the Kadri line is a bit up and down their high end is really good. So unless there is an injury we haven't heard about I don't see why the top 9 would get touched. Steinberg hinting that perhaps Lewis is playing through something. Possibility that Dube gets bumped down to 4th line center but that does feel like a bit of a slap in the face given how well he's played. Where I disagree is this idea that Phillips can't/shouldn't play 4th line, I think he can for sure. I think the idea of the 4th line just being a crash and bang line should be re thought. I think the biggest thing you want from a 4th line is energy. Aside from the fact that the Flames are not getting that from their 4th line right now, I think you can also get that in multiple forms. Physical play is one way but I think speed, tenacity and skill are other ways to get energy as well. I have no problem playing Phillips on the 4th line.

and there it is.... interesting to see how this is going to play out

unfortunately, yes I think we should.

Have to like how they answered. That’s a big positive. special teams won them the his game. I don’t think they were very good 5 in 5 mostly due to poor breakouts. 2nd game in a row I don’t think they were good at 5on 5. I’m still left wondering what the game plan is. but credit to them for finding a way. I thought they needed guys to step up after that first and several did.

Amazing start but I didn’t like most of the back half of that period. Strong PK but Minny had them on their heels. Mostly because their breakouts are terrible tonight. Still looking for that complete game

Worst period of the season for me. Not one player was physically or mentally ready to go in this one. No jump, losing battles, no flow, poor decision. Just bad hockey all over the ice. They are lucky they are only down 2. Leaders need to start emerging for this group

Won't be a big contingent this year, but noticed today that William Stromgren was named to Team Sweden. His point totals have not been great this year but he is playing in the SHL. This will be a real interesting opportunity for a player who has a lot of raw skill. Topi Ronni is expected to make Team Finland but that isn't official yet. Likely will be just the 2 as others are either not eligible or not on the radar. Beck was at Team Canada's summer camp but wasn't on the selection camp roster (likely due to the fact that he's again missing a lot of time with injuries)

I don't agree. Sutter plays his 4th line usually between 6-10 mins a game. A player like Zary can make an impact there in that amount of time and still develop, IMO.

I'd literally lose it if the Flames called up Zohorna before Pelletier, Zary or Phillips. Be a massive slap in the face to those guys, and honestly all prospects down there. I've only watched him a handful of times but I don't see an NHLer in Zohorna.

I don't even think you can call Bennett a miss now either. 49 points last year and 21 in 25 this year. The miss was on developing him and not the pick IMO. He is currently 9th in goals and points in his draft year, for the 4th overall pick that isn't terrible. They also turned him into Toffoli and turned Baertschi into Rasmus Andersson. Should also point out that Valimaki tore his ACL which is still a pretty major injury in hockey. Before he did that he was trending well and was their best defender against Colorado in the payoffs that year.

I'm happy for Valimaki. He deserved a fresh shot and i'm glad it's working for him. I thought he was solid last night and by all accounts he's been decent this year. I say this a lot but you get trade offs when you hire Sutter, and to an extent all coaches. Sutter's way can work for some, mostly veterans though, and it isn't going to work for others because exactly how Valimaki outlines he isn't going to pull you aside an give you extra attention/motivation. I don't think it's fair to call Sutter negative but I also don't really think he modifies his style to different players, you get Sutter and only Sutter. I don't personally think that's the way to coach in the modern game and I think what Valimaki is saying should be considered as learning for the organization. but at the same time I also think it's worth pointing out that while i'm happy for Valimaki he isn't exactly lightning the world on fire in Arizona so it's not like I think this lead to a major loss. I just think the Flames and Sutter should consider his feedback and perhaps learn from it. They are going to need young players and prospects to make a difference here soon.

A win is a win and they found a way which you need to give them credit for. bjt I’m left wondering what this team wants to be. The flames beat the caps with pace, aggressive neutral zone play, quick re ups and transition. Tonight they were much more passive, slower, and we’re giving up the blueline. Coyotes and Caps are two very different teams but I’m struggling to understand the game plan here. they were doing it in the first with great success and then they go away from it?

That’s some pretty slick puck movement there.

Well that’s a really beneficial call if your the flames. Better make use of it. they’ve let far worse go. Don’t blame Chykrun for being pissed.

Really don’t like or understand why the flames are so passive at the blueline this year. So much more content to let teams walk in on them. I don’t get it

You either have to shorten your bench or you need to call up players from the ahl. you cannot give this 4th line a regular shift anymore. flames were really good to end the first. I haven’t liked their game since. Passive and not enough pace.

I think starting the game on the PK for 5 mins is going to put you on your heels. Be 10 mins into the game before everyone’s has seen the ice. Once they got everyone into the game they’ve looked good. Starting to be able to play the game at a faster pace.

I get the reluctance to try Kadri -Huberdeau. I was for it in the offseason because I think Huberdeau needs someone who is effective in transition but I think the problem i'm seeing is that Huberdeau and Kadri are the same player once the puck gets into the o zone. They both want the puck and both are best with the puck on their stick so I see that clashing. Not to mention I can also understand the hesitation around combining your 2 best playmakers. I actually don't think Huberdau-Lindholm and Toffoli have been bad since being put back together. Haven't been great sure, but they've been pretty good. I personally would like to see either Mang or Coleman trid up there instead of Toffoli. I think that line needs someone who can push the pace in transition and both Mang/Coleman fit that skillset. Huberdeau-Lindholm -Coleman Mang - Kadri- Toffoli Ruzicka - Backs- Dube Lucic - Rooney - Lewis Is what I would try.

while the flames did play well I don’t view this as any type of measuring stick. Honestly they should handle a Capitals team that is as depleted as they are. lots of encouraging things but still another level to reach imo.

Probably my favorite game as a flame for Ruzicka. He was such a force on the puck and along the boards. It’s still a small sample size but he’s start to string together and stack good game after good game.

Good game to build on. This looked more like the team from last year. More aggressive at the blueline, quick re ups, and more chances off to the rush. Haven’t seen them play at that pace in a while.

It’s really tough watching Lucic right now. Guy is just doing nothing to help the team and can’t even skate with the puck.

Flames generating chances, and of course more importantly goals, off the rush is very encouraging. Been missing pretty much all season.

Was actually a really good period minus the PP. The biggest thing that frustrates me about this group is a lack of situational awareness. Score a goal? Take a penalty. A backup goalie comes in cold let’s use our 4th line and take our time putting pucks toward the net. Just not awareness of the situation in the game. last years team was so good at that. This years doesn’t have it right now.

What an awful PP that was. Piss poor execution