travel_dude

Without Kylington, it's not a great time to consider trading any of the so called top 6. From last year, the two consistent pairs were Kyl-Tanev and Haifin-Andersson. Until we get Kylington back, I'm not sure we are sure what the pairs should be. You tend to want a puck mover with a shutdown guy. In theory, Weegar with Tanev should be good. We know Kyl-Tane and Hanifin-Ras were good. Stone is good in certain situations, as is Zadorov. I just don't know what the best solution is. I don't think we have seen one yet.

I think we are still searching for lines and pairs. It was obvious that Hanifin was stabilizing the 2nd pair. Didn't really like any of the pairs last night. It may have been a one off, but I didn't really like it. Hope Kylington is back soon. Need to find the pairings that work the best overall. The 4th line was what I expected, until they moved Lewis down. The top line was okay at times, and I thought the Kadri switch was interesting. Mange and Lindholm had rough defensive nights.

Not liking Marky's game tonight. Vladar has been far sharper in his one start. Are we going to just play the starter? Vladar has a chip, wanting to show what he is worth.

Some kind of minor injury that's been bugging him. Either that or pending trade call.

It's hard to separate the hockey part from the business part. Build a new building and lease out to the city for all their staff. The Oilers had very little overall expenses with regards to the arena. Compared to any other arena that is. But to your point, that is the kind of turnaround or ROI the Flames want to see. Just don't know it's ever possible again.

The problem as I saw it was the Flames were on the hook for cost overruns. That is a problem in an uncertain market. Construction costs are volatile and with the ongoing war, a risky bet to stay the cost they are. Absolutely, neither side would like bing stuck being forced to pay more, but somethings are natural. The Flames won't get the sweetheart deal Katz got in EDM. That was the last middle finger from the mayor to the city. Mind you, the impact to the downtown is probably greater than CGY would see. Both sides know they need it. Neither wants to pay a blank cheque. It has to be fair and make sense.

Well, if anything, the city added on costs not previously identified. The Flames decided to walk away, whether I agree or not. It was something that came on top of agreed to costs.

Wolf is really a ways off at this point. He needs to dominate for more than just one season. If he is ready at some point, he will get the starts. He looks good right now, but not quite ready.

Yeah, I'm of that opinion as well. Done with the whip pass to an area that JG might happen to be. How many icings did that result in over clean breakaways. Done with the flashy shot attempts, between the legs stuff. As difficult as it is to defend, it takes away a direct shot and rebound. Give me Kadri that goes to the net. Call it back if you like, but he is a direct threat to score. I held my nose when we drafted him. Was okay with the super pest and giving his all. For some time, it seemed like he would grow into his skates and take another step. He seemed to turn into a guy that played the way he wanted to. Coach loved and hated his play.

Blech. Even the "Calgary" extra jersey looked better than this one, and I wasn't a fan of that one. This one looks like they had a bunch of leftover graphics they needed to use. Not clean at all. Nothing about it says it was done by pros.

Good deal. Now have a potential starter locked up for 3 years. He could just take the reins and be the man.

I have less time for a return of Tkachuk than JG. JG was a real star, not just a jerk that helped the team. JG was the one thing that made the team look good. Tkachuk was always the DB that we were glad we didn't have to play against. Seems like he is now saying he never had any intent to play here as long as he suggested. Wants to drive golf carts around and have chix in swim suits. Can't say he is a jerk for that, but is he interested in hockey?

Vegas' version of retro should be the mob running the strip. Or a fat Elvis. Maybe get helmets that look like an Elvis hairdo.

I think we are yet to see the best. Players are not passing on 2 on 1's. Sometimes that is a good thing, but it makes the other team's job easier. Overall, I think we are in a better place.

Without even looking that good as a top line, Lindy already has 2 goals. Hubie 3 points. Toffoli 2 goals. It took some time for Lindy to produce with Gaudreau and Tkachuk. And even then, he was the least productive of the bunch. He score 2 goals last night and one was called back. Once he gets rolling and Hubie hits him with passes he is ready for, expect him to really catch fire.

Ritchie helps make the 4th line. I don't think that a guy skilled at forechecking and adding beef is the best option for a defensive shutdown line. Backlund needs similar players to himself; those that move the puck forward and shut down players. Ruzie has shown some of that in his limited play. Lewis is plug and play and doesn't need to be in.

We are doing things a little differently and it shows. Less low percentage shots. More down low plays. I like it.

I'm not holding my breath on this one. Mayor and council may understand the value of an event centre, but other things are going on. Neither side is going to budge a lot from the original deal. In fact, I would think that the city may even want to get a better deal. Just a feeling, since it was a pretty minor event that nixed the last deal.

Flames win. VGK loses. Oilers lose.

Backlund style......

Time for a shorty... Backlund style.

When something isn't exactly working, you need to adjust. 2/3 of the line is fine.

He's definitely been the 9th best. Some night higher than that. Rooney has been a steady force. Have to fix the 3rd line somehow. I would even start with Ruzie in Lewis out.

I tend to agree tonight.

Ritchie line leads to another PP.