Does Gazdic play opening night vs Edmonton?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

I totally forgot we got this guy, ew

Honestly, when I saw the thread title, my first reaction was, "Who cares what pieces of garbage the Oilers dress on opening night?"

[codynw]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Maybe Brouwer will tune up Lucic as a kickoff to a great season.

Lucic would kill Brouwer in a fight. Wouldn't even be fair.

[savardandjokinen]

I hope he's playing in the first game of the season on the Oilers, so they're even worse. Make it happen

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Yes, he's our best player.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by savardandjokinen

I hope he's playing in the first game of the season on the Oilers, so they're even worse. Make it happen

Are you kidding me? The Oilers already have six Gazdics.

[Anduril]

We've lost a bit of muscle from Engelland leaving but I don't think this team is the type to drag things into the mud. If anything we're better off avoiding it especially against the likes of Anaheim and LA. Beat them with structure, depth and skill.

Most importantly, beat them on the scoresheet.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

God I hope not.

We had no face-puncher last season and did just fine.

Not exactly true. Engelland is as close as you can get to being an enforcer while still being a lineup regular.

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by Anduril

We've lost a bit of muscle from Engelland leaving but I don't think this team is the type to drag things into the mud. If anything we're better off avoiding it especially against the likes of Anaheim and LA. Beat them with structure, depth and skill.

Most importantly, beat them on the scoresheet.

Did not realize that Versteeg had more fights than Brouwer!

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

Did not realize that Versteeg had more fights than Brouwer!

Only last season. Versteeg has had 7 fights since the 2011-12 season while Brouwer is at 16.

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Only last season. Versteeg has had 7 fights since the 2011-12 season while Brouwer is at 16.

Yes

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by codynw

Lucic would kill Brouwer in a fight. Wouldn't even be fair.

Well, I didn't say I figured it was likely, I just think that it would be great. Plus, I've seen enough upsets in NHL fights to never say never (Chris Tamer v. Probert, Doell v. Brashear, Leroux v. Twist).

Lucic isn't a monster any more. He is getting old and slow and aside from being big, he's not really a damaging fighter. Engelland handled him fine over the years and Engelland, though willing and not a bad fighter, isn't really a feared guy like McGratton. Plus Brouwer is a lot bigger than people think. Look at that pic of him standing beside Big Ern on the fishing trip - same size.

[Cycling76er]

Thanks for reminding me that we signed this guy.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think a signing like Gazdic isn't necessarily bad. He isn't affecting much at all, and his job will primarily revolve around sticking up for the prospects on the Heat. The AHL is still very much a fighting league with lots of pure enforcers and lots of borderline players trying to make a name for themselves. The NHL has changed a lot, but the AHL still employs pure enforcers. Until that changes, a team needs to sign a guy like this.

As for his role in the NHL, once again I think the Flames go into this thinking: "Hopefully he won't have to play a single game for us, but if it is necessary, then you bring him up. You don't need an enforcer until you do."

You don't want a team to beat you down physically like the Oilers can very much do to Calgary this year. I don't want Ferland having to try and fight Lucic, Maroon, Kassian and Nurse all by himself. If there is a game where he ends up doing that because the Oilers decided to get dirty, then the next game against them you bring up Gazdic. You don't need that kind of toughness on your team... until you do.

I myself hope that Gazdic never plays a game for Calgary. However, I am somewhat relieved that the Flames have a player of this type that they can recall when absolutely necessary. I just don't think you start Gazdic against the Oilers (or any other team) unless you KNOW something is going to happen based on a previous meeting. It will be interesting to see how that first meeting goes without having Engelland around. I think he kept things under relative control in that department.

[jlh2640]

I doubt it, we will have Iginla and Hathaway in the lineup. i would rather sign Mcgrattan lol

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by jlh2640

I doubt it, we will have Iginla and Hathaway in the lineup. i would rather sign Mcgrattan lol

Zero chance we'll have Iginla IMO. Keep dreaming.

[Jimdon]

I have a hard time thinking management is that concerned about the oilers out muscling us when they got beat on the scoreboard pretty bad last year. Sitting your better players so you can dress a goon and maybe have a chance at beating up one of their players doesn't help you score more goals or let less in.

[Bear]

I think not dressing a face puncher in that game actually makes more of a statement. It says that our young players aren't scared and will play their game without the need for protection. Sending out Gazdic implies we are nervous about the impact of Lucic and co as lets be honest here there's no way he dresses on account of being one of the 12 best forwards on the roster.

[Oilers93]

What message would that really send? Lol. We are the last team in the league to be intimidated by plugs

[---Hatrick---]

Originally Posted by Oilers93

What message would that really send? Lol. We are the last place team in the league.

Fixed your post

[FlamesAddiction]

I can't help but wonder if politics played a roll - Croat vs. Serb.