travel_dude

It's GDB. Big test tonight. Fast team, rising stars, but goatending is an isue for them. Get to the goalie early and get a lead, though it's never safe. Defend the zone. Interesting choice for starter. Vladar had a bit of an off game last time against the AVS, but managed to hold the fort. B2B set, so does Sutter look for the starter to get the wasier of the two? Or does he put the better goalie in against the AVS, in front of a tired team.

Seems like the MSM is starting to wake up. Sutter current the favorate for Jack Adams. Flames top Canadian team for odds of winning the cup. Markstrom in conversation for Vezna. Guess there is no more flying under the radar. Next thing we start heard about the Hart? What were these guys watching before? He are winning a lot more trequently, but it's not like we have changed the way we play.

Fair enough. Gaudreau has more 5v5 points and less PP points. +44 vs +12 GWG - 7 for Gaudreau, 6 for AM. Maybe it's more fair to say that of the top forwards, the 3 that jump off the board the most are: Huberdeau, Gaudreau and Matthews. The teams they play on are all playoff teams. Each of those three players are the top players of their team.

Rocket Richard only for AM.

I doubt they do the same player for two voted awards. Makar will be the Norris guy, no doubt. If the Oilers are on the bubble, how are either player MVP's? Both of them have 30+ powerplay points. Gaudreau has 16. Johnny leads all forwards (except Lindy) with +/- of +44. McD and Drai are 81 and 79 points to Gaudreau's 77. Who is the real MVP here?

He's the only NCAA trade chip.

Lucic is a guy you may need in the playoffs. I don't know if he has enough game to play 82 and then playoffs though. When his game is on, he is creating turnovers. I think he needs a bit of a break right now. He looks gassed from the extreme schedule. He never that fast, but when the games were better spaced out, he had some jump. He's making too many mistakes right now. We can always use better depth, but I think this is one of the most talented and competitive teams we have had in a very long time. I mean sure, if we were able to swap Hertl for Mony and Dube, we would be deeper at C but still be a player short. Only works in a Mony (plus non-roster players) for Hertl deal.

I liked the sneaky goals, but the bang bang goal from the slot? Did TBL somehow not see him sneaking into the prime area? He was just kind of slipping in and out of coverage, then went to a spot impossible to defend. It's a difficult negotiation. You have Tkachuk's deal getting in the way. Gaudreau should get the max. Tkachuk something less. Go max term on Johnny, shorten the term for Tkachuk if that helps dial down the dollars. Front load it and give him tons of cash early. He's earned it and should get paid the most while he's still young enough. Give him a NMC and he can control his fate. Pay him according to what he means to the franchise. Not his problem that the cap is the issue. He wants the team to compete, but no hometown discount is owed.

He has a little more speed than Toffee. Better fit IMHO. But the overall concern is that we don't have enough depth to put a 2 way player there. Dube hasn't shown great defensive abilities so far. Toffee should be on a scoring line, not checking one like Backlund. Monahan looked better. Lucic had a few good shifts, but still looks a bit too slow. Would be better to use Lewis on the 4th line to help them get the puck out. Then have a 2 way player for Backlund, maybe a LW since Coleman plays RW well. I'm giving some time for Ruzie to adapt to his linemates. Could become really good or just passable. Mangiapane looked like he was getting some chances, same for Toffee.

Don't look now, but we are 2nd in fewest goals against and 2nd in GF/GA differential. Lindholm and Gaudreau #1 and #2 in +/- with +45 and +44 (tied for 2nd).

I love listening to Sutter after game pressers. Said they played well, but man oh man, there were some bad moments and shifts. Someone asked him about Johnny 3 goal night. He said that's what top players need to do. Not just scoring on the rush. Scoring on the cycle. Someone asked if Sutter though he was atop player now. Sutter said he was last year and is this year. Has a chance to win the scoing race. Top player is what top teams have.

I would be okay with them laying a beatdown on EDM. They currently are two up on VAN and 2 back on VGK. Pefer to keep them out right now. Let them makes stupid TDL moves.

Stammer was being a baby about it. You got hit. Oh my. It's hockey.

Hope not. Really it's a dirty play, but I don't think it is suspendable. Maybe a fine. Dumba needs to sit.

Rest up young Padawans, EDM is waiting for a beat down.

Good win. Dominating them.

Stammer will pay for that. Well, not today. Someone from his team will have to answer for it.

Monahan lowers the boom. Ruuta takes exception. That was beyond sticking up for your player. Several punches to the head. I mean, you stick up for your guy, but you shoudn't be throwing puches unless a fight ensures.

Safeway is getting nervous.

In EDM, a ball cap is considered formal attire. Guess that's why they don't get many hatties there.

Johnny Hatty

Ohh Tkachuk. Face the net every once in awhile.

Guddy puts the hamma down

Lucic with a Backlund special EDIT - I though he had an easier open net than that. Handcuffed.

Nope Flames only have 3 though