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Originally Posted by kyuss275
With Gio out long term, i was wondering what this board thinks of Breen being called up? Has his play been good enough to get a promotion? Also i have heard that Piskula has been good this season and deserved the call-up, but do any of you think he can stick in the NHL?
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Breen being called up, IMO, would have been imminent if this whole situation with the Flames happened
last season. This season, it seems as though Breen has taken a step back. He just doesn't look like that dominant force he was last year when Playfair had so much praise for him. The good thing, however, is it seems Breen is taking small steps to get back to where he was at the end of last season. Not only that, but he plays against some of the opposing team's top lines every game. So, his plus/minus rating will likely never be that great (kind of like Bouwmeester's), but I'm sure he'll regain his ability again. As of right now, I'd say he's behind Brodie, Carson, Piskula, Mikkelson, and Wilson (even though he shouldn't be because Wilson's a total b*tch in his own end).
As for Piskula, he's the best defenseman on the team behind Brodie. He and Brodie love playing together, and they have perfect chemistry with each other in terms of covering each other if the other wants to rush. It's often believed that Piskula is a defensive defenseman, but as Brodie said in an interview once, he's not. He's a two-way D-man with good puck moving skills, he's fast for his size, and he's very responsible defensively.
Will he stick in the NHL? Yes and no. No, because he's taking Gio's spot right now and he'll be sent down when Gio's healthy. Yes, because I think he can do just as well as Carson in the 7th D-man role.
Quote:
Originally Posted by c.t.ner
Can I just say thank you for all the work you do updating use Flames folk on the happenings down in Abbotsford. It's greatly appreciated. Love that there is a specific thread to discuss questions on the prospects and the team in general.
Just curious, any news or rumblings on Mitch Wahl's loan stint with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Looks like he has struggled a bit with zeros across the board in 4 games.
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No problem. I love the Heat and the Flames and like to let people know what's going on.
No news on Wahl right now. It must be mighty tough for him right now for two reasons: a) he's getting ample opportunity to play top-6 time, but b) the Bulldogs flat out suck. There are no good pure goal scorers on that team that Wahl can help with his playmaking skills. But then again, it's a bit of a Catch 22 as he won't get top-9 time with the Heat and he's not physically able to handle 4th line duties and isn't made for that type of role. I feel bad for the guy and alot of Heat fans here want him back, but they don't understand that he's probably a little better off in Hamilton (even if it sucks to be there).