Saddledome Event Recap - Brian Burke State of the Union

[GioforPM]

I don't even doubt that GG has talked privately to Wideman a couple times. But not necessarily becuase he has a bad attitude. I think it more likely that GG wants to preempt trouble, show empathy for the situation with a vet and say, like I said before, "Sorry Wides, we are on a roll, the other guys are playing well, you're still a valued member of the team, keep working hard, etc. etc".

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don't even doubt that GG has talked privately to Wideman a couple times. But not necessarily becuase he has a bad attitude. I think it more likely that GG wants to preempt trouble, show empathy for the situation with a vet and say, like I said before, "Sorry Wides, we are on a roll, the other guys are playing well, you're still a valued member of the team, keep working hard, etc. etc".

Agree completely. It would not surprise me that the Flames will need to call on Wideman before this is all said and done.

[Draug]

God I hope not. Wideman out of the lineup is a huge reason we are winning. It cant be overstated.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Draug

God I hope not. Wideman out of the lineup is a huge reason we are winning. It cant be overstated.

He's deservedly out of the lineup. So are Kulak, Wotherspoon, and everyone else in the AHL. But he's a veteran who has logged significant minutes this year. No one is saying put him in now. He's just as good as or better than any other team's replacement guy, IMO.

[Inglewood Jack]

if Wideman has to draw back in, it better be bottom pairing. that's where he belongs in order to not be a massive black hole for 20 minutes. that means any top 4 injury bumps Engelland or Bart up, and Wideman takes their spot. if somehow he reclaims that anchor around Gio, Dougie or Brodie then we're toast.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack

if Wideman has to draw back in, it better be bottom pairing. that's where he belongs in order to not be a massive black hole for 20 minutes. that means any top 4 injury bumps Engelland or Bart up, and Wideman takes their spot. if somehow he reclaims that anchor around Gio, Dougie or Brodie then we're toast.

Since that's where he was before getting scratched, that's what I'd expect.

[Flamefan1]

Wideman should have been pinned to the bench after game 2 against Edmonton. Our record would have been better with Kulak and Wotherspoon in the lineup. And both would have improved over the course of the season and wouldn't have negatively impacted Brodie.

[FireGilbert]

Originally Posted by Flamefan1

Wideman should have been pinned to the bench after game 2 against Edmonton. Our record would have been better with Kulak and Wotherspoon in the lineup. And both would have improved over the course of the season and wouldn't have negatively impacted Brodie.

It has been posted by many others before but the reason Kulak and Wotherspoon were not playing over Wideman was because they were even worse than Wideman. Stone and Bartkowski on the other hand are better than Wideman which is why he is now firmly planted on the bench.

[sureLoss]

FWIW Wills was just praising how Wideman was taking the benching, saying he has been smiling, supportive of his teammates, and working hard in practice.

[starseed]

Hopefully Wideman plays like he is hungry to return as a regular. This past stint in the press box might be enough to push away the cloud that seems to have been hanging over his head over the season. Time to focus on the game.

[ssjshmo]

Just heard the segment on the radio with Kerr and Francis - he just called out Wideman for being a bad professional and teammate at practices. Similar to what OP heard from a "local reporter". Coming from him, i'm still taking it with a grain of salt

[starseed]

Originally Posted by ssjshmo

Just heard the segment on the radio with Kerr and Francis - he just called out Wideman for being a bad professional and teammate at practices. Similar to what OP heard from a "local reporter". Coming from him, i'm still taking it with a grain of salt

This was Francis?

[steveo]

Originally Posted by starseed

This was Francis?

Yup. I was listening to it on the way home. I don't remember the exact words but he said something along the lines of 'doesn't deserve to play another game' .

[TheScorpion]

RE the earlier points about Bollig: he will certainly be up for the playoffs. He's proven in the past (with both the Flames and Chicago) that he's great in the playoffs.

[Calgary4LIfe]

So, do we believe Willis or Francis?

Doubtful this needs a poll.

[dammage79]

I think both Wills and Francis may be right. Wideman's supporting the team but has no relationship with the coaches as Francis has said.

Wideman may be in good with the team mates but he and the coaching staff are butting heads.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by ssjshmo

Just heard the segment on the radio with Kerr and Francis - he just called out Wideman for being a bad professional and teammate at practices. Similar to what OP heard from a "local reporter". Coming from him, i'm still taking it with a grain of salt

Yeah Francis was implying that Wideman doesn't really pay attention in practice, does not seem interested in learning GG's systems etc. Francis sounds like he really has a hate on for Wideman.

[Simon96Taco]

Originally Posted by ssjshmo

Just heard the segment on the radio with Kerr and Francis - he just called out Wideman for being a bad professional and teammate at practices. Similar to what OP heard from a "local reporter". Coming from him, i'm still taking it with a grain of salt

Does anyone have an audio clip of this? I just caught the last few seconds on my drive home, and wasn't quite sure if I was hearing correctly. What little I caught of Francis did sound quite scathing.

[tvp2003]

Based on his radio hit, it is clear Francis was the media guy discussed in the OP. Just ripping into Wideman and saying he didn't deserve this chance with Stone injured.

Makes me want Wideman to play well (even more so) just to prove him wrong...

[ssjshmo]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

So, do we believe Willis or Francis?

Doubtful this needs a poll.

I personally believe Wills over Francis any day. Wills sees the team all the time, where Francis has a history of pushing his own agendas and biases because he reports for a tabloid/says stuff to get attention, clicks, etc.