Sam Bennett discussion: 2 points in 3 games so far

[GoJetsGo]

I know it's being discussed in many threads but with nothing but waiting time between now and game one just wanted to get some opinions...

The choice to keep him grounded in those important regular season games prior to clinching seem to indicate the team would rather air on the side of caution with Sam.

However, he did look very good today.

When we consider how dried up secondary scoring has been as of late, I think a good case can be made to insert him on the third line as a winger.

Also, we're never really privy to the number and extent of injuries at this time of year.

So in conclusion, I guess this is posing two questions: Would you start Bennett in Game 1? Do you think the Flames will?

[J epworth]

I think either him or Shore should start game one, should match up better against the bottom 6 of the Canucks better than Bollig will. Probably will see Shore before Bennett though, even with the great jump he showed this game.

[skudr248]

Cut Raymond. Put in Bennett. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HARTLEY.

[Table 5]

I thought he had an overall solid game, however I have a feeling Hartley will go back to the same lineup we had against LA (if everyone is healthy).

[t-bag22]

not game 1. if it doesn't go well see you in game 2.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Good first game, but don't think he starts.

Ferland however likely made a case for Hartley to start him.

[DropIt]

no chance... I wouldnt expect Bennett unless we get down 3-0 or 3-1 in the series. barring injury of course

[TheDebaser]

I would personally. He's a fierce competitor and he does have the skill to make the difference in a game or two. I don't expect him to carry the team obviously, but I do think he can be a piece that helps the team take a game or two.

It also really helps that he can play a pretty solid two way game.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Nay, he didn't look like an upgrade tonight on any of the players he'd replace IMO. And I realize that's not fair, it's one game, but I get the sense he's probably going to need a few games before he finds his NHL stride, tough to give him that rope in the Playoffs if you have healthy bodies that can play and likely bring a little more in that very moment.

But I'm sure the coaches will have the right feel based on tonight and what they see in practice so who knows.

[Bezer]

No unless there are injuries

[Robo]

The only reason I wouldn't put bennett in is because Raymond may have a big series against the canucks but if he sucks in game 1 like he does most nights put in Bennett for game 2

[EldrickOnIce]

Zero chance

[getbak]

Nay, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play at some point in the series.

[Scornfire]

Anyone but Bollig, watching him fail at receiving simple passes is too much for me to bear. Not like this will be a physical series either

[JohnnySkittles]

Nope, can't see it.

[GranteedEV]

no, but after Mason Raymond's crappy play gets us down 0-3, Bennett will slot in, and we come back and win the series in game 7 with Bennett being a monster!

[CroFlames]

I would put him in, but I doubt Hartley does.

[devo22]

no.

[Erick Estrada]

Nope. Don't even think he would be the first player to come in if a starter goes down with injury. It took Gaudreau almost a month to hit his stride in the NHL and the Flames can't afford to be bringing players along in the playoffs.

[dying4acup]

No. Played well. But unless we have trouble scoring in the first 2 games, he sits.