Roman Cervenka

[Brick]

I am not sure if there is an update on Roman Cervenka posted anywhere. Last I heard, he was to see a Hematologist today at the Mao Clinic branch in Phoenix.

Everyone is really looking forward to seeing him in the lineup so this can serve as a thread for updates.

Does anyone know anything more?

[HPLovecraft]

Not that I'm an expert or anything, but from what I've read, I would expect him to be out a couple more months at least, depending on how long he's been on thinners. I really hope they don't risk it and take him off early.

[AC]

Not necessarily. Treatments for a blood clot range from 6 week to 6 months generally (the average closer to 2-3 months). It all depends on what his blood levels are like now that he's seemingly finished the blood thinners, so hopefully we get good news about his appointment today.

[cannon7]

From what I've read Cervenka was hoping to have been cleared by doctors yesterday. If he was cleared, he might be on the roster soon. If not, who knows.

Source (http://forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/player-pn.cgi?4535#398321)

[krynski]

From what I've read Cervenka was hoping to have been cleared by doctors yesterday. If he was cleared, he might be on the roster soon. If not, who knows.

Source (http://forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/player-pn.cgi?4535#398321)


HOPe!!!!!

[kyuss275]

From what I've read Cervenka was hoping to have been cleared by doctors yesterday. If he was cleared, he might be on the roster soon. If not, who knows.

Source (http://forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/player-pn.cgi?4535#398321)

Hope it works out. I was discussing this in another thread i kind of get the feeling that this is more of a hail mary pass to try and get him back sooner. I won't be surprised if he is out for the season.

[Mitch]

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger
Cervenka cleared by Mayo Clinic to stop taking his blood thinning meds. Will return to Cgy to be cleared. full prax with Club on Thursday.

[AC]

Woo!

[Nathan89]

Darren Dregger on twitter
Cervenka cleared by Mayo Clinic to stop taking his blood thinning meds. Will return to Cgy to be cleared. full prax with Club on Thursday.

Awesome!

Edit: Too slow!

[ThePrince]

Hope it works out. I was discussing this in another thread i kind of get the feeling that this is more of a hail mary pass to try and get him back sooner. I won't be surprised if he is out for the season.

Love people with no medical knowledge or expertise commenting with no source and just their "feeling".

[JurassicTunga12]

http://www.chooseomatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/farnsworth.jpg

Good news, everyone!

Hudler and Cervenka back for Oilers game? good.

[devo22]

fantastic news!

[kyuss275]

LOL just after i write "hail mary pass to get him back sooner" he gets cleared.

Yes Yes Yes. We need you Cervenka!!!!!!!

[AC]

I'll be releasing my Cervenka video sometime between Thursday and Saturday.

[kyuss275]

Love people with no medical knowledge or expertise commenting with no source and just their "feeling".


Thats what all these threads are about. Do you think anybody has expertise as a gm or coach? No different with a doctor. Give me a break.

[krynski]

awsome!!!

[Savvy27]

I thought he might miss the whole year. This is exciting! I hope he's good!

[Zamboniman]

This is absolutely great news!!!

[Fire in the disco]

Sick, I'm really excited to see him suit up.cervenka+Hudler bring a whole new element of skill to the line up. Saturday's game is going to be awesome to watch assuming they both play

[djsFlames]

Hudler AND Cervenka both back in against the Oil saturday HNIC?!


Rape time!! >:)

[Redliner]

Hudler AND Cervenka both back in against the Oil saturday HNIC?!


Rape time!! >:)

Easy there, turbo. The guy hasn't even been through a whole practice with the team yet. That said, this is great news and I'm excited to see what he can do...

[EddyBeers]

Hudler AND Cervenka both back in against the Oil saturday HNIC?!


Rape time!! >:)

1300 points for Cervenka, book it.

[Roof-Daddy]

Excited to finally get a chance to see him in action. Hopefully he works out.

[indes]

I hope people aren't expecting too much out of cervenka and hudler their first game. I hope they come out and light it up but I would expect them to be a step behind for a couple games

[MissTeeks]

Official release from the Flames:

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=651954

[XeO]

Please Let Cervenka be a Number One Centre ! Maybe save our top line :(

[Ashasx]

No practice time is going to suck for him, though.

With Hudler and Cervenka coming back, somebody needs to be sent down.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Do you think anybody has expertise as a gm or coach? No different with a doctor. Give me a break.

Except that there are a number of doctors, pharmacists, etc, on this forum.

There simply wasnt enought credible information available to say what was going on, with any kind of certainty.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Please Let Cervenka be a Number One Centre ! Maybe save our top line :(

I'll be content as long as he is a center who can win the majority of his faceoffs, chip in offensively and not be a huge defensive liability.

[Bar-Down]

No practice time is going to suck for him, though.

With Hudler and Cervenka coming back, somebody needs to be sent down.

Horak will most likely be sent down.

I think Babchuk is close to returning as well since he was skating with the full group today so another player will have to be moved/traded.

Hopefully some bodies are moved out in a Niederriter trade! :D

[TurnedTheCorner]

I hope people aren't expecting too much out of cervenka and hudler their first game. I hope they come out and light it up but I would expect them to be a step behind for a couple games

They will look like the rest of the team.

[sun]

Help us, Roman-Wan Cervenka. You're our only hope.

[dammage79]

As the great Peter Maher says: YEAH BABY!!!

Thanks goodness this team can finally be put together the way it should be. See ya Jackman and Comeau.

[MrMastodonFarm]

No practice time is going to suck for him, though.

With Hudler and Cervenka coming back, somebody needs to be sent down.

Begin makes the most sense, he's on a two-way.

[Resolute 14]

As the great Peter Maher says: YEAH BABY!!!

Thanks goodness this team can finally be put together the way it should be. See ya Jackman and Comeau.

More like Begin and Horak.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Horak's been playing well. He doesn't deserve to be sent down.

Begin played well in his first game too. Again, doesn't deserve to be sent down.

But there are way too many forwards on the Flames.

[devo22]

Anyone know when Cervenka's last game was? Maybe a short conditioning stint in Abby wouldn't hurt?

[skudr248]

^ why on earth send him to abby? see how the flames been playing last 2 days? dumba$$

[devo22]

^ why on earth send him to abby? see how the flames been playing last 2 days? dumba$$
quality post, I like it!

[worth]

http://i.imgur.com/4xHe0.jpg

[Miniac]

From the Flames website

Roman Cervenka (http://flames.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476834) is returning from Phoenix, AZ this evening where he was seen by a specialist at the Mayo Clinic. He has been cleared to return to practice on Thursday, January 24th and will be eligible to play on Saturday, January 26th, pending coach’s decision.

Jiri Hudler (http://flames.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470201) is expected to return to Calgary late this evening and will be added to the Flames’ active roster on Wednesday, January 23rd, but will not be joining the team for Wednesday’s game in Vancouver. He will be eligible to play on Saturday, January 26th, pending coach’s decision.


:yay:

[AC]

From the Flames website

:yay:
That was posted earlier, the two will potentially be playing Saturday.

Did you misread the part in red?

[you got PHANUEFED]

All of you have hard ons for this guy watch him stink it up like the rest of the team.

[Heavy Jack]

All of you have hard ons for this guy watch him stink it up like the rest of the team.

So that's what getting Phanuefed is?? Meh.

[Miniac]

That was posted earlier, the two will potentially be playing Saturday.

Did you misread the part in red?

Ops my bad! Ya I misread it, got my hopes up for a split second.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Great news! But i wonder who's gonna get the shaft now that both Hudler and Cervenka are back.

[getbak]

Horak will most likely be sent down.
No, we need him for the Czeching line.

[Caged Great]

Great news! But i wonder who's gonna get the shaft now that both Hudler and Cervenka are back.

Take the two worst players in Comeau and Jackman and put them in the press box.

[StrykerSteve]

Great news! But i wonder who's gonna get the shaft now that both Hudler and Cervenka are back.

I'd say there have been plenty of people that have played poorly enough to make this a pretty easy pool to choose from.

I'm very happy to hear both Cervenka and Hudler will be rdy to go on Saturday, bring it on!

[Alberta_Beef]

Begin makes the most sense, he's on a two-way.Is he injured? if he is injured he can not be sent down.

[getbak]

Is he injured? if he is injured he can not be sent down.
If he's injured, they can put him on the IR and won't need to send someone down.

[SuperMatt18]

Maybe we just say screw grit and size and play even smaller then we did last game. We would get pushed around like crazy, and probably aren't great defensively but the games might be exciting and we could roll 4 lines pretty good.

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Horak-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalieri
Comeau-Stajan-Stempniak

Extra: Jones/Jackman

The way I look at it is we have 4 tandems of players in the line-up that I think we should try to keep together (bolded). The other wingers can move through the line-up.

[JazzyFlame]

Maybe we just say screw grit and size and play even smaller then we did last game.

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Horak-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalieri
Comeau-Stajan-Stempniak

This team has some good wing depth, sadly we have weak centers and few gritty wingers.

Tanguay-Cammaleri-Iginla
Glencross-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Stempniak
Comeau-Stajan-Horak/jones/jackman

That is what I woud suggest, Cammi showed flair playing centre at the end of the season last year, and the top 3-lines are fairly well balanced. I will even goto the extent of saying our 4th line is uber glorified.

[Fire Park '71]

Doesn't matter. I'll want them traded before the end of the first period. Nothing is going to change until #12 says so. And I speculate(not what i want)that will be another 5 to 7 years when he retires from the team he started with and played his entire career. There will be no trade to a so called contender and re-signing in the summer. 5 to 7 more years of people asking what's wrong the Flames?

[flamesaresmokin]

Great news! But i wonder who's gonna get the shaft now that both Hudler and Cervenka are back.

By the way people are posting you'd think the Flames have way too many effective players, making this a very tough decision for Hartley.

Nearly every player in the bottom 6 could be swapped out with a player on the Heat and the team wouldn't be any worse off.

[robertsfanatic]

great news!

[Vinny01]

Hopefully no injuries tomorrow and we see what the fully healthy Flames can do on Saturday against the Oil. Could end up being a 7-6 game

[MisterJoji]

Tanguay-Cammaleri-Iginla
Glencross-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Stempniak
Comeau-Stajan-Horak/jones/jackman

That is what I woud suggest, Cammi showed flair playing center at the end of the season last year, and the top 3-lines are fairly well balanced. I will even go to the extent of saying our 4th line is uber glorified.

I'd say enlight of Glencross' play you don't want to take him off the top line, and Cammy hasn't exactly earned top line minutes So I'd go with:

Glencross-Tanguay-Iggy (Tangs isn't ideal at Center, but he's been servicable)
Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler (Let's hope Cervenka is legit)
Baertschi-Backs-Stempniak (possibly our best line so far)
Horak-Jones-Comeau (Hate that Horak is playing 4th line, but where else do you put him? Maybe line 2 if Cervenka falters)

[minnow]

Cervenka has had limited skating time/practice, so he'll probably have some rust. He'll need some time to get up to his best. Keep that in mind for his first few games.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

Cervenka has had limited skating time/practice, so he'll probably have some rust. He'll need some time to get up to his best. Keep that in mind for his first few games.

Nope, hatty or GTFO!

[GreenLantern2814]

nope, hatty or gtfo

fyp

[Scoutski]

I'd say enlight of Glencross' play you don't want to take him off the top line, and Cammy hasn't exactly earned top line minutes So I'd go with:

Glencross-Tanguay-Iggy (Tangs isn't ideal at Center, but he's been servicable)
Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler (Let's hope Cervenka is legit)
Baertschi-Backs-Stempniak (possibly our best line so far)
Horak-Jones-Comeau (Hate that Horak is playing 4th line, but where else do you put him? Maybe line 2 if Cervenka falters)

I'm having a really hard time deciding what lines I'd like to see but this is getting super close for me.

It will never happen, but I'd like to see Glencross, Tanguay and Jackman shipped out for picks/future considerations and roll lines that look a little more like this:

Cammy-Stajan-Iggy
Stempniak-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Horak
Comeau-Jones-Begin

Yes, Matt Stajan is on the first line. No, I do not want to trade him, I don't think the Flames would get much for him.

I know I've killed our depth in that situation but I think our 3rd line can sub up into the top 6 if absolutely necessary and then I don't mind bringing up someone like Nemisz/Aliu/Street/Reinhart to be our 13th forward.

Also, if it works out, Stajan and Cervenka might switch positions at some point (and if necessary Hudler and Cammy swap too).

So, how crazy am I?

[Vinny01]

Trade Glencross? Not a chance one of the best contracts in the league that is not an elc

[GreenLantern2814]

Trade Glencross? Not a chance one of the best contracts in the league that is not an elc

Glencross should be as close to an untouchable on this team as there is outside of Sven. 2.5M for 30 goals, grit, PK, PP, and he's someone who very clearly cares about winning and plays with real emotion.

The lack of that last part is a really evident shortcoming early on.

[Scoutski]

I completely agree with your reasoning, which is why I think it could potentially be a really good idea to net a great return. This team is currently not capable of winning a Stanley Cup (I think they could make the playoffs), so I think we can get some huge value out of Glencross now rather than keeping him around in a somewhat competitive team similar to the way it's been with Iginla and Kipper who would now be worth a lot less than what they were at age 29.

I like the way the organisation seems to be a little more level-headed about developing and obtaining prospects, but I think a kick-start would also be nice so we can hopefully climb into more serious contention sooner.

This isn't a knock on the team post, I don't think they're the 14th of TSN, they just don't seem to have enough together right now to really go for it all.

[Kickazzflames]

So we should trade glencross and hope we get another glencross?

[Itse]

The Flames need to give at least some reason to watch them play, and Glencross has been one of the very few bright spots along with Stempniak. (While Backlund and Baertchi give me hope that they can impress later, they have not really done anything yet.)

As to Cervenka and Hudler, they should at least give us some more options and more center. Although we will really have more than our share of smallish forwards of questionable value. (Questionable meaning "hard to say what their actual value is", not that they don't have value.) We could really use some bigger players.

I'm not big on lines speculations, but here's a crazy idea; how about playing centers as centers and see how the rest of it works out.

Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla
Baertchi-Stajan-Glencross
Hudler-Cervenka-Stempniak
Horak-Jones-Begin/Comeau/Jackman

If you want to shelter Backlund, switch him around with Stajan. In time Cervenka should hopefully pass Stajan on that chart.

And yeah, sit Cammalleri. Not that he was THAT bad, but everyone else on that roster have IMO done more to earn their time for now, with maybe the exception of the 4th line, where I don't see Cammy fitting. It won't take long before someone else there plays himself out of the lineup or gets injured.

[Young-Sneezy]

I'm having a really hard time deciding what lines I'd like to see but this is getting super close for me.

It will never happen, but I'd like to see Glencross, Tanguay and Jackman shipped out for picks/future considerations and roll lines that look a little more like this:

Cammy-Stajan-Iggy
Stempniak-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Horak
Comeau-Jones-Begin

Yes, Matt Stajan is on the first line. No, I do not want to trade him, I don't think the Flames would get much for him.

I know I've killed our depth in that situation but I think our 3rd line can sub up into the top 6 if absolutely necessary and then I don't mind bringing up someone like Nemisz/Aliu/Street/Reinhart to be our 13th forward.

Also, if it works out, Stajan and Cervenka might switch positions at some point (and if necessary Hudler and Cammy swap too).

So, how crazy am I?

http://cdn.blogs.sheknows.com/realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2010/01/intervention-logo.bmp

I'm here today, because i will not continue watching you live a life of destruction. your ideas affect me negatively, in the following ways:

Cammy-Stajan-Iggy
Stempniak-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Horak
Comeau-Jones-Begin[/B]

1. Glencross and Tanguay are shipped? For picks? what? 2 second rounders? MAYBE?
2. Stajan on the top line? I'm sorry, im not even hating too much on the guy lately, but he has zero finish and has in no way proven to be top line while in Calgary.
3. Ship Jackman? I'm honestly going to go with him being the hardest working Flame, day in, and day out. You would rather have friggin Crash Bandicoot aka Comeau out there?! or STEVE BEGIN?!?!

I see where you're going with this, but it just needs to stop, you're only hurting yourself.

We have a lovely place in Seattle called "Dreamers Village" that can help you with your addiction.

Will you go today?

[Scoutski]

haha, okay okay fair points. I think you are discrediting that solution a little harder than it needs to be though, I would be incredibly surprised to learn that Glencross is not worth at least a 1st. Seeing as that's the case, help me out here:

Barring injuries we are going to have the following players available for our NHL forward lines:

Iginla
Cammalleri
Tanguay
Glencross
Hudler
Baertschi
Cervenka
Stajan
Backlund
Stempniak
Horak
Comeau
Jones
Begin
Jackman

We can send down Horak and Begin and we are left with 13 forwards looking something like this:

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Hudler-Cervenka-Stempniak
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammaleri
Comeau-Jones-Jackman

Stajan being the 13th forward

This also means the guy we signed to be tough and bring energy can't be around at the same time while everyone is healthy and a prospect who played with the Flames for a lot of last season has to wait for enough injuries to come back up. Should it just be handled that way or should someone be moved to make room? What's the plan for the future?

[dying4acup]

The Flames need to give at least some reason to watch them play, and Glencross has been one of the very few bright spots along with Stempniak. (While Backlund and Baertchi give me hope that they can impress later, they have not really done anything yet.)

As to Cervenka and Hudler, they should at least give us some more options and more center. Although we will really have more than our share of smallish forwards of questionable value. (Questionable meaning "hard to say what their actual value is", not that they don't have value.) We could really use some bigger players.

I'm not big on lines speculations, but here's a crazy idea; how about playing centers as centers and see how the rest of it works out.

Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla
Baertchi-Stajan-Glencross
Hudler-Cervenka-Stempniak
Horak-Jones-Begin/Comeau/Jackman

If you want to shelter Backlund, switch him around with Stajan. In time Cervenka should hopefully pass Stajan on that chart.

And yeah, sit Cammalleri. Not that he was THAT bad, but everyone else on that roster have IMO done more to earn their time for now, with maybe the exception of the 4th line, where I don't see Cammy fitting. It won't take long before someone else there plays himself out of the lineup or gets injured.

Not hating your lines too much, but I wouldn't sit Cammy, I would call him out.
"U said in Montreal they prepared, practiced and played like losers! Now be a winner!"

[Kaine]

Trade Glencross... he's the one "vet" on this team I would view as near untouchable.

[CGY12]

Baertschi Backlund Iginla (the kids need a big body on the line)
Glencross Cervenka Hudler (Glencross gives them a bit of sand paper to the line)
Tanguay Cammelleri Stempniak (Tanguay still has 2 guys who can finish)
Horak Stajan Jones (Jones would be suited on the wing better)

[Trojan97]

Baertschi Backlund Iginla (the kids need a big body on the line)
Glencross Cervenka Hudler (Glencross gives them a bit of sand paper to the line)
Tanguay Cammelleri Stempniak (Tanguay still has 2 guys who can finish)
Horak Stajan Jones (Jones would be suited on the wing better)

These are good lines. Sven and Backlund should be moved up to play with Iggy. He has been invisible so far and they are going to need him to get going ASAP if the team has any chance. The pace and energy at which both have been playing at will force Iggy to get going or he will get left in the dust.

Meant to add, anyone who suggests Horak needs to go down is crazy IMO.

[Diverce]

Excited to see Cervenka a Hudler play. But I don't expect them to play this Saturday, if anything I think Thursday against the Avs is when we'll see them. Calgary has 4 days off after the Oilers game so they have to time to practice, skate with the team and learn the system. And Hartley can put them through the paces to see who they play well with.

Can't really see Hartley trying to fit them in during the game on Saturday.

[bluloc]

Excited to see Cervenka a Hudler play. But I don't expect them to play this Saturday, if anything I think Thursday against the Avs is when we'll see them. Calgary has 4 days off after the Oilers game so they have to time to practice, skate with the team and learn the system. And Hartley can put them through the paces to see who they play well with.

Can't really see Hartley trying to fit them in during the game on Saturday.

Once we go 0-3-0 tonight why would we not want them in the line up. The sooner the better theses guys have been playing all their lives and one of the few that played over seas during the lock out. Im sure they'll play better than most of the garbage we have on the team.

[StrykerSteve]

Baertschi Backlund Iginla (the kids need a big body on the line)
Glencross Cervenka Hudler (Glencross gives them a bit of sand paper to the line)
Tanguay Cammelleri Stempniak (Tanguay still has 2 guys who can finish)
Horak Stajan Jones (Jones would be suited on the wing better)

Not bad.

[Alberta_Beef]

I'd like to see certain combinations of players together Saturday with Cervenka in the lineup.

Tanguay & Iginla
- They have always played pretty well together, no point in separating them. With Glencross's play so far I would like to keep that line together despite their failures in the circle.

Backlund & Baertschi
- They seem to have some early chemistry so I would like to try and see what comes of that, they are creating chances but just haven't buried anything yet. However I think Cammalleri has been a liability in the defensive zone so I would prefer to see a more defensively responsible player fill out the line, for the time being my choice would be Stempniak.

Cammalleri & Stajan
- They played well together at the end of last year and their strengths really compliment each other as one is a playmaker defensively reliable and the other is a shooter that likes to take some chances offensively. For now I would put them with Hudler and see how it goes.

by default that would leave a combination of Cervenka, Horak, Comeau, Jones & Begin (if healthy) for the final line, keep in mind I am suggesting this for Saturday's game only so Cervenka can ease into the lineup slowly by playing on the 4th line and on the PP.

[StrykerSteve]

Cervenka has to play with Hudler, he doesn't understand a lick of English. The transition will be hard enough without having to deal with not being able to understand your linemates.

They can speak in foreign tongues and take advantage of the weak English-speaking opposition! :p

[Alberta_Beef]

Cervenka has to play with Hudler, he doesn't understand a lick of English. The transition will be hard enough without having to deal with not being able to understand your linemates.

They can speak in foreign tongues and take advantage of the weak English-speaking opposition! :pI am tired of this misconception. Cervenka can speak some English and understand it, he is just not comfortable conducting interviews in English.

And even if your nonsense was true, Horak is Czech too.

[StrykerSteve]

I am tired of this misconception. Cervenka can speak some English and understand it, he is just not comfortable conducting interviews in English.

And even if your nonsense was true, Horak is Czech too.

I wasn't aware that he can speak and understand English, that's certainly a positive, if true.

As for my comment being nonsense... :confused:

[Resolute 14]

Horak's been playing well. He doesn't deserve to be sent down.

Begin played well in his first game too. Again, doesn't deserve to be sent down.

But there are way too many forwards on the Flames.

As much as I agree, it is a numbers game, and they both drew the short straws. Two-way contracts and all.

I don't think there is any doubt in the mind of Hartley, Feaster and Begin that Begin was signed to be an insurance policy for Cervenka's injury. We needed a centre, he plays centre, and he got the job. Until Cervenka is back. Begin is going down, and he would have known up front this is the case. But, an injury could bring him back up. This is the chance he was offered.

Horak is either splitting time between the 4th line and press box in Calgary, or getting good minutes in Abbotsford. He would no doubt rather the former. The organization, I think, the latter. And the organization is going to win.

[Parallex]

As much as I agree, it is a numbers game, and they both drew the short straws. Two-way contracts and all.

Yeah, it's a pretty easy call for the org actually. Saves 1/2 a million dollars in real money (two-way contract) + zero risk of losing an asset (Waiver Exempt) + A better developmental atmosphere. Once those guys are healthy Horak is almost certainly going to Abbotsford maybe Begin as well.

[AltaGuy]

Yeah, too bad about Horak - he has played better than a number of others, especially Cammalleri.

What I'm curious to see: if this were a Brent Sutter coached team, Cervenka would come back and would be put on the wing due to stubbornness.

Would be pretty messed up if Tanguay stays at center and Cervenka goes to the wing.

[Royle9]

Giving this a shot, flame suite on :bag:: (Lines in no particular order)

My only concern is that no matter who seems to be on Iginla's line for the last few years you always see players try and feather him a pass no matter the situation. It's like they feel obligated to get him the puck. I think our offense would improve if our other players took the chances they get rather then try to get it over to Iggy for a one timer (power play especially). So far I'm liking the fact were using the point/Wideman more often this year.


Glencross-Tanguay-Iggy - Showed some signs of cohesion last game.
Baertschi-Cervenka-Hudler Worth breaking up Bart & Backlund?
Cammy-Backlund-Stempniak Fast skaters but a small line
Comeau-Jones-Horak/Jackman

or

Baertschi-Backlund-Iggy Young offense to spark Iggy
Tanguay-Cervenka-Hudler Puck distributor for Roman & Jiri
Glencross-Cammy-Stempniak Seems decent on paper
Comeau-Jones-Horak/Jackman

[Stay Golden]

My expectations for Cervenka the first few games are low considering all the time he has not been skating etc.
I am looking forward to seeing how good is in 5 or 6 games though.
Great news for the Flames that he is going to be able to play. I honestly thought he was gone to gone for the whole season.

[The Yen Man]

I'm tempering my expectations, but I'm excited to see what Cervenka can do. I'm hoping to see some flashes of his skill for the first few games as he gets used to the NHL.

[Har-Calgary]

I was at the ducks game and I noticed two things. Horak played awesome and was tough in the corners and along the boards. As skilled as the Cammy-Backs-Baertch line is, it's not working and mainly because of the size issue. They have no fight in the corners/boards (backs is ok) cammy has been brutes in those areas and Baertch easily gets pushed off the puck. That line is comprised of too many similar players, need a big body to clear space and battle in the corners. As far as I know Cervenka/Hudler are more skilled players that won't be so tough in those areas. Here's what I do:

Baertch-Backs-Iggy
Tanguay-Cervenka-Hudler
Glencross-Horak-Cammy
Stempniak-Stajan-Comeau/Jones

The second line may have the same problem of not being tough on the boards but what can you do?

I dunno, off the top of my head while I'm bored at work.

I actually really wanted an all youngz lineup Baertchi/Backs/Horak but I don't think it's feasible.

[The Professor]

I was at the ducks game and I noticed two things. Horak played awesome and was tough in the corners and along the boards. As skilled as the Cammy-Backs-Baertch line is, it's not working and mainly because of the size issue. They have no fight in the corners/boards (backs is ok) cammy has been brutes in those areas and Baertch easily gets pushed off the puck. That line is comprised of too many similar players, need a big body to clear space and battle in the corners. As far as I know Cervenka/Hudler are more skilled players that won't be so tough in those areas. Here's what I do:

Baertch-Backs-Iggy
Tanguay-Cervenka-Hudler
Glencross-Horak-Cammy
Stempniak-Stajan-Comeau/Jones

The second line may have the same problem of not being tough on the boards but what can you do?

I dunno, off the top of my head while I'm bored at work.

I actually really wanted an all youngz lineup Baertchi/Backs/Horak but I don't think it's feasible.

It's funny that we are all looking past tonights game already.

I think those lines are interesting. I would put Glencross with either Cervenka and Hudler, or with Baertchi and Backlund - for the exact reason you say, both need some size. So, why not this...
Tanguay - Horak - Cammy
Baertchi - Backlund - Iggy
Glencross - Cervenka - Hudler
whoever!

[GreenLantern]

I would start Cervenka in a third line role, let him ease his way in.

I think Hudler should be on the first line with Tanguay and Iginla..

Hudler-Tanguay-Iginla
Bearchi-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Cervenka-Stempniak
Comeau-Jones-Jackman

At least get a look at the new guys, see what is going on and adjust accordingly.

[Stay Golden]

Once Cervenka and Hudler get up to speed i would mind seeing these lines.

1 Tanguay Backlund Iginla
2 Baertschi Cervenka Hudler
3 Glencross Cammalleri Stempniak
4 Comeau/Horak Jones Jackman

But i think Cervenka and Hudler start on a new 3rd line with Glencross on Saturday.

[OzSome]

I don't know much about Cervenka so I don't have any high expectations on him until i see him play. All I know about him was from the media and other fans. If he is as good as what everyone was saying then it's great. I think Hartley will slowly use him from the 3rd line C and move him up as he progress. I hope he won't have a hard time adjusting to the NHL.

[BigBCalgary]

I think it's more like...
Tanguay, Cammallari, Iginla
Glencross, Cervenka, Hudler
Baertchi, Horak, Backlund
Jones, Stajan, Stempniak,

But then I remember the extra bodies in Jackman and Begin and that Stempniak doesn't belong on the fourth line. A good problem to have I suppose.....but I really like that top nine.

[dino7c]

Sven and Backs have looked great but haven't actually accomplished anything...no goals for either of them

[cznTiburon]

I have been playing flames forward Tetris all morning and really can't figure out any way that makes sense to set up these lines. It is interesting to see what Hartley will do and there are going to be a lot of mixed emotions by fans. I just want to see our Czechs play well

[AC]

Tanguay - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Cervenka - Hudler
Baertschi - Cammalleri - Stempniak
Comeau - Stajan - Jones

That's how I'd like to see the lines, possibly with Glencross and Baertschi swapped.

[Bourque's Twin]

This is hilarious. I've never seen it so difficult to formulate forward lines as a Flames fan.

Here's what I think.

Glencross - Tanguay - Iginla : I don't think Iginla/Tangs should be separated and I don't see a quality centre yet (Cervenka?) servicing them properly. Therefore, I put the Flames' best forward, Glencross, with them.

Hudler - Cervenka - Cammalleri : Highly skilled, fast second line. Cammy hasn't worked well with anyone else thus far and I believe Hudler/Cervenka should start off together.

Baertschi - Backlund - Stempniak : Fast, skilled, defensively responsible 3rd line. There has been chemistry here already and hopefully they could turn that into point production.

Jones - Begin - Jackman : a 4th line that has 3 guys who give it their all every single shift. I think they would be more effective than having Horak - Stajan - Comeau out there not being able to check or score.

I like Horak but he is the worst out of the top 9 forwards I listed and I'm a firm believer that we need Jones and Jackman in the lineup for grit. Horak could maybe replace Begin on the 4th but then we're burying a good prospect in a checking role...

Comeau serves no purpose on the team. It's painful to watch because he has a good skillset. There's just no confidence at all.

Stajan has no role to play. The Flames have too many good forward in the top 9 and he has no grit for the 4th line. I would buy him out.

[AC]

^ I like the looks of those too. Though Begin will likely be sent down at this point by default. I think Stajan has established his spot on the 3rd line well, so hopefully the 4th works with his game too since he'll be bottom 3.

[moncton golden flames]

tanguay - cammalleri - iginla
hudler - cervenka - stempniak
baertschi - backlund - glencross
comeau - stajan - jones

[blankall]

As much as I agree, it is a numbers game, and they both drew the short straws. Two-way contracts and all.

I don't think there is any doubt in the mind of Hartley, Feaster and Begin that Begin was signed to be an insurance policy for Cervenka's injury. We needed a centre, he plays centre, and he got the job. Until Cervenka is back. Begin is going down, and he would have known up front this is the case. But, an injury could bring him back up. This is the chance he was offered.

Horak is either splitting time between the 4th line and press box in Calgary, or getting good minutes in Abbotsford. He would no doubt rather the former. The organization, I think, the latter. And the organization is going to win.


I could see us keeping Begin up. A major issue thus far is getting pushed around by bigger teams. Hudler and Cevenka are both pretty tiny. Begin may stick around to play a modified enforcer role.

[devo22]

Glencross - Tanguay - Iginla : I don't think Iginla/Tangs should be separated and I don't see a quality centre yet (Cervenka?) servicing them properly. Therefore, I put the Flames' best forward, Glencross, with them.

Hudler - Cervenka - Cammalleri : Highly skilled, fast second line. Cammy hasn't worked well with anyone else thus far and I believe Hudler/Cervenka should start off together.

Baertschi - Backlund - Stempniak : Fast, skilled, defensively responsible 3rd line. There has been chemistry here already and hopefully they could turn that into point production.

Jones - Begin - Jackman : a 4th line that has 3 guys who give it their all every single shift. I think they would be more effective than having Horak - Stajan - Comeau out there not being able to check or score.
I like those. The only issue I have with this is the size of the 2nd line because you have two very small wingers besides Cervenka, who isn't huge either ... so I'd swap Cammy and Glencross, which means Cammalleri playing center and Tanguay moving back to the wing. I don't think the Tanguay experiment at center is going to work ... at least I think Cammy looked better there last year than Tanguay is at the moment. So

Tanguay - Cammalleri - Iginla
Glencross - Cervenka - Hudler
Baertschi - Backlund - Stempniak
Jones - Begin - Jackman

[868904]

If it were a true meritocracy, Cammy and Iggy would probably sit for Hudler and Cervenka as they have been the two worst forwards.

Bouwmeester would also sit for Smith.

All 3 have a chance to redeem themselves tonight (not that they really have to worry about sitting).

[IgiTang]

Reading posts, there seems to be one common denominator, Cammellari. For his price tag, floating 2nd/3rd line duties is unacceptable. He needs to be moved with Cervenka and Hudler coming in. Regardless of how well they play. Cammi is not getting it done and earns too much.

[DionTheDman]

Reading posts, there seems to be one common denominator, Cammellari. For his price tag, floating 2nd/3rd line duties is unacceptable. He needs to be moved with Cervenka and Hudler coming in. Regardless of how well they play. Cammi is not getting it done and earns too much.

At least he's not Bourque!

[SuperMatt18]

Cammy was great for us last offseason, I contribute his struggles to him just looking out of shape. Don' think he was ready for the season to start, and for a guy who is small and not physical not having your legs means you are going to look terrible.

[JazzyFlame]

holy implosion...Cammi's a great player atleast give it 5-games????

[moncton golden flames]

Reading posts, there seems to be one common denominator, Cammellari. For his price tag, floating 2nd/3rd line duties is unacceptable. He needs to be moved with Cervenka and Hudler coming in. Regardless of how well they play. Cammi is not getting it done and earns too much.

that's why i believe he needs to play as the top line centre. if you want to try to get the most out of him, you need to put him in a position to succeed.

[FanIn80]

I popped into this thread thinking it would be about Cervenka's injury status, and I'm greeted with "trade Glencross for picks" and "get rid of Cammy?" I realize I mistakenly opened this thread on the last page instead of the first, but wtf?

[GreenLantern2814]

I popped into this thread thinking it would be about Cervenka's injury status, and I'm greeted with "trade Glencross for picks" and "get rid of Cammy?" I realize I mistakenly opened this thread on the last page instead of the first, but wtf?

We miss the lockout. #### Donald Fehr. Gary Bettman has bad skin.

[canflip_101]

sven-cervenka-hudler

[trumpethead]

Cammy was great for us last offseason, I contribute his struggles to him just looking out of shape. Don' think he was ready for the season to start, and for a guy who is small and not physical not having your legs means you are going to look terrible.

I scored as many goals as Cammy did last offseason.

[orr444]

Cervenka and hudler are skating with the hitmen today.

[MissTeeks]

Calgary Flames ‏@NHLFlames (‏@NHLFlames)

Roman Cervenka and Jiri Hudler will be at the Dome tomorrow and will speak to the media then. Watch for coverage on http://CalgaryFlames.com (http://t.co/yCXEFQsH)!

[vektor]

I really hope Cervenka is capable of playing on our top line, I really do. There is an element of chance that we wind up being good by overwhelming the opposition with so many offensive threats that our horrific defense doesn't matter. A large portion of that hinges on Cervenka. The season pretty much rides on Cervenka and Backlund playing better than they ever have, without them we are screwed.

I know everyone is jumping ship but I will reserve judgement until mid-season when we see if these guys can gel together, we've seen flashes of brilliance from the Flames, hopefully Cervenka can come in and add something positive. We need a few things to go right for us. Hopefully Hartley figures this out sooner as opposed to later. I know nothing about Roman but I hope he has the fire in his eyes that makes him get pissed, we need someone with that. The only guy that plays with that passion now is Glencross, he seems to be the only high end guy we have that takes losses personally, hopefully Cervenka can bring that as well.

[MonsieurFish]

So how will our roster change with Cervenka and Hudler being able to play next game? Horak was sent down yesterday.... is Baertschi next, purely because he doesn't have to go through waivers?

Edit: maybe I am mistaken and Horak was sent down for Cervenka? Assumed that was for Hudler, but I think he was already on the team.

[AltaGuy]

One good thing is that our next game is against the midgets to the North of us, so we can ice an all-midget lineup and forego any kind of worries about size.

On the downside, icing an all-midget lineup could lead to us losing the game 10-8.

[Stay Golden]

So how will our roster change with Cervenka and Hudler being able to play next game? Horak was sent down yesterday.... is Baertschi next, purely because he doesn't have to go through waivers?

that is my fear that Sven goes down and the staff do not fully realize what he brings to the team. Sending him down will do no good. If anything Comeau should be put on waivers and he would clear and if he doesn't so what the Flames picked him up on waivers. Free up another roster spot.

Best guess is Cervenka does not play until after the Avs game but then again it is a long lay off until that game the 31st so maybe he will be up to speed to Hartley's satisfaction by then.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think too many people are expecting too much of the Flames too soon. New coach, new system, 1 brand new top 4 d-man who is also #1 on the PP, and 3 new players in the top 9. That is a lot of change.

Lines are not set yet. Chemistry hasn't evolved yet. Players like Tanguay playing out of position. They are looking better every game - haven't put in a complete game yet, and they sometimes look 'scrambly' out there.. but I do think they are improving. We also haven't seen what the 'real team' looks like yet with Cervenka and Hudler.

Give it until game 10. See where they are in the standings, and how they are performing on the ice before begging to tear it down, or excessively praising them. This is a shortened season, and with all the moves without the benefit of a preseason, it is not difficult at least to give them the benefit of the doubt for the first few games. I will be happy if they are 500 at the 10 game mark, but trending upward. Anything past that, and it may be too late to wish for the playoffs.

At the very least, I am happy to see a much more entertaining product on the ice. I was missing an offensive team for a long time now.

With regards to Cervenka and Hudler, what do you guys think? Will they start together, or be put on separate lines? They haven't developed any chemistry with anyone on the team, and not sure if they are up to speed on the system either. Putting them on different lines might make those other lines shaky, or perhaps get them up to speed faster. What do you guys think?

I am hoping Hartley puts Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler as a line. Cammy hasn't shown any chemistry with anyone, so why not try him with two new faces?

[FakenHaken]

I think too many people are expecting too much of the Flames too soon. New coach, new system, 1 brand new top 4 d-man who is also #1 on the PP, and 3 new players in the top 9. That is a lot of change.

Lines are not set yet. Chemistry hasn't evolved yet. Players like Tanguay playing out of position. They are looking better every game - haven't put in a complete game yet, and they sometimes look 'scrambly' out there.. but I do think they are improving. We also haven't seen what the 'real team' looks like yet with Cervenka and Hudler.

Give it until game 10. See where they are in the standings, and how they are performing on the ice before begging to tear it down, or excessively praising them. This is a shortened season, and with all the moves without the benefit of a preseason, it is not difficult at least to give them the benefit of the doubt for the first few games. I will be happy if they are 500 at the 10 game mark, but trending upward. Anything past that, and it may be too late to wish for the playoffs.

At the very least, I am happy to see a much more entertaining product on the ice. I was missing an offensive team for a long time now.

With regards to Cervenka and Hudler, what do you guys think? Will they start together, or be put on separate lines? They haven't developed any chemistry with anyone on the team, and not sure if they are up to speed on the system either. Putting them on different lines might make those other lines shaky, or perhaps get them up to speed faster. What do you guys think?

I am hoping Hartley puts Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler as a line. Cammy hasn't shown any chemistry with anyone, so why not try him with two new faces?

Agree 99% with everything except I'd rather see Bart with Cervenka and Hudler. Although Cervenka is a rookie he has a veteran presence with KHL experience. Hudler another veteran. All have skill and some speed. Before we send Bart to the 4th line in Hartley's words lets let Sven be Sven.

[foshizzle11]

I think too many people are expecting too much of the Flames too soon. New coach, new system, 1 brand new top 4 d-man who is also #1 on the PP, and 3 new players in the top 9. That is a lot of change.

Lines are not set yet. Chemistry hasn't evolved yet. Players like Tanguay playing out of position. They are looking better every game - haven't put in a complete game yet, and they sometimes look 'scrambly' out there.. but I do think they are improving. We also haven't seen what the 'real team' looks like yet with Cervenka and Hudler.

Give it until game 10. See where they are in the standings, and how they are performing on the ice before begging to tear it down, or excessively praising them. This is a shortened season, and with all the moves without the benefit of a preseason, it is not difficult at least to give them the benefit of the doubt for the first few games. I will be happy if they are 500 at the 10 game mark, but trending upward. Anything past that, and it may be too late to wish for the playoffs.

At the very least, I am happy to see a much more entertaining product on the ice. I was missing an offensive team for a long time now.

With regards to Cervenka and Hudler, what do you guys think? Will they start together, or be put on separate lines? They haven't developed any chemistry with anyone on the team, and not sure if they are up to speed on the system either. Putting them on different lines might make those other lines shaky, or perhaps get them up to speed faster. What do you guys think?

I am hoping Hartley puts Cammy-Cervenka-Hudler as a line. Cammy hasn't shown any chemistry with anyone, so why not try him with two new faces?

I think this is a good assessment. It will be interesting to see a few new players injected into our top 6. I'm not expecting Cervenka to be an all-star right off the bat. I am sure getting used to playing in north america might take a bit and I am ok with that.

So far, this hockey is much more exciting then previous years, mainly because it is so random. Watching Tanguay shootting on a 2 v 1 instead of passing, Jaybo shooting any time, Iggy killing penalties, you name it. So far I likey!

After 10 games though if we aren't improving or clicking then I will be worried.

[dino7c]

If it were a true meritocracy, Cammy and Iggy would probably sit for Hudler and Cervenka as they have been the two worst forwards.

Bouwmeester would also sit for Smith.

All 3 have a chance to redeem themselves tonight (not that they really have to worry about sitting).

Iggy hasn't been one of the worst forwards...long term you need these guys they have to get into game shape

there is no team in the NHL that picks their lineup based on the last game or so. Jaybo had a great game yesterday anyway

[Ashasx]

Iginla was fantastic last night. It's the same people complaining about him every year.

[Sakari]

If Iginla was fantastic last night, we would have won 3-2.

He played a very good game. He should have scored there though. No excuses.

[Teroy]

Iginla is past his prime. Some posters spend too much time trying to defend him on this forum. Trade him and move on.

[MissTeeks]

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak
Jiri Hudler and Roman Cervenka on the ice at the Saddledome. Looks positive for them to play Saturday versus the Oilers.

[Vinny01]

Iginla is past his prime. Some posters spend too much time trying to defend him on this forum. Trade him and move on.


Het gets defended because he takes a ridculous amount of heat from other posters. Claiming he is a horrible captain when EVERY single person that talks about playing with him says he is one of the best leaders in the game.

[foshizzle11]

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak
Jiri Hudler and Roman Cervenka on the ice at the Saddledome. Looks positive for them to play Saturday versus the Oilers.

ya, exciting!

and ya Iggy is past his prime, it isn't news. He is still an elite player. He is still a Calgary Flame, I'm not sure what we will get for him, if we will get a blue chip prospect or not. I wouldn't mind seeing him leave and win a cup with someone else since it probably won't happen here in the next 5 years.

[MissTeeks]

And a neat article about Hudler, Cervenka and Babchuk practicing with the Hitmen yesterday:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/calgary-flames/Hitmen+Flames+players+joined+them+skate/7863188/story.html


Just after warm-ups and just before the meat of the practice begins, one Calgary Hitmen member is selected to face Chris Driedger in a shootout/breakaway situation.
The player scores? The goalies skate.
Driedger denies? The players go for an extra loop.
And up until Wednesday, the team’s No. 1 netminder had been feeling pretty good about himself with very few goals allowed all year.
So, you can guess how happy his teammates were when Calgary Flames players Jiri Hudler, Roman Cervenka, and Anton Babchuk showed up to join the Western Hockey League kids for their icetime.
Taking Driedger down a peg or two, Hudler — who has 409 NHL games under his belt compared to Driedger’s zero — had the Hitmen hooting at the goaltenders’ loser’s lap. This after the 29-year-old former Detroit Red Wing centre showed off his stickhandling skills and then wired a shot to beat the lanky Ottawa Senators draft pick five-hole.
“I read him, too,” Driedger said, chuckling afterwards. “I knew EXACTLY what he was going to do and then he just beat me anyways.
“I saw him coming, but he has a pretty quick release . . . I got a piece of it. But it wasn’t enough.”


“It was cool,” said Hitmen winger Calder Brooks who is also recovering from a shoulder injury and joined Cervenka and Hudler for the practice. “Being on a line with them, that was nice. I just tried to play with them the same way I play with my teammates. Give them the puck when they’re open and shoot the puck if they give it to me.
“Very skilled. Very talented.”


Helgesen, a decently-sized six-foot-three, 192 pound teenager, faced the 27-year-old KHL phenom during some one-on-one action up the boards. You know the drill: charging forward tries to beat furiously back-pedalling defender and cuts toward the net or is steered out of harm’s way.
During Round 1, Helgesen had speed and kept up to Cervenka, keeping him to the outside. But during Round 2? Helgesen lost his footing and Cervenka beat him cleanly to take a shot.
The Hitmen defenceman figured as much.
“Playing against those NHL guys, when they’re coming at ya one-on-one, they’ll build a lot of speed and their puck skills are really good,” said the 18-year-old seventh-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks last June. “It can be pretty tough.
“You can easily tell their puck skills and their awareness of the puck out there. Their shots, too. It’s a level above most of us, anyway. You can definitely tell they’re NHL players.”

[flambers]

Iginla was fantastic last night. It's the same people complaining about him every year.

Not sure how any of the Flames other than Kipper can be classified as "Fantastic".

1st Period was a mess, neither team played very well..

2nd Period, Canucks clearly dominated first 13 or 14 minutes... shots were 14-2.

Flames finished well, they had a strong 3rd and last 5 or 6 minutes of the second.

Its was a great finish but the Flames could have easly lost this game....

[dammage79]

Cervenka will help Iginla play better. You know, keeping in the spirit of this thread and all. which happens to be about Cervenka.

[Torch]

Het gets defended because he takes a ridculous amount of heat from other posters. Claiming he is a horrible captain when EVERY single person that talks about playing with him says he is one of the best leaders in the game.

Except his ex coaches and Rhett.

[Street Pharmacist]

Except his ex coaches and Rhett.

Lol. Haven't heard that

[saillias]

holy implosion...Cammi's a great player atleast give it 5-games????

Agreed, we all know what Cammalleri is, if he's not putting up points he doesn't look very effective. Even in his best season this is how it always worked. He's not going to be out there dangling and controlling the puck and causing havoc. He's an opportunistic shooter.

[Vinny01]

Except his ex coaches and Rhett.


Keenan constantly praises Iginla as a leader said he grew as the season wore on. Playfair and Sutter? 2 guys not fit to be head coaches in the NHL right now. Darryl Sutter has always been a big Iginla fan and I have never heard Rhett say anything negative about Jarome's leadership.

[djsFlames]

I think that's referring to Jim Playfair, who was demoted from head coaching duties, sent to Abb, then picked up for assistant coaching duties with the Phoenix Coyotes. He then went on to be a little critical about parts of Iginla's leadership to the media, obviously still a little bitter about leaving the organization the way he did, and then make comparisons between Doan and Iginla, claiming that Doan was just as good a player and leader on the ice as Iginla, even better in certain ways, seemingly glorifying His club's leader.

All except for the glaring fact that Doan isn't even in the same universe as Iginla on paper.

It wasn't received well by some people here, myself included.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Het gets defended because he takes a ridculous amount of heat from other posters. Claiming he is a horrible captain when EVERY single person that talks about playing with him says he is one of the best leaders in the game.

The guy just can't win. He's been playing the PK and has been a responsible 2-way forward so far this season by backchecking and supporting his teammates, but now that he's not scoring, the goals all of a sudden matter again.

He focuses on goal scoring, he's padding his stats. He focuses on overall team play, he's washed up.

[vektor]

I for one do not feel sorry for Iginla. He gets paid more than 99.99% of the worlds populace, when you get paid like that you better be open for criticism.

[StrykerSteve]

I've had no issue with Iginla's play so far this year. He can't score on every shift.

[StrykerSteve]

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak
Jiri Hudler and Roman Cervenka on the ice at the Saddledome. Looks positive for them to play Saturday versus the Oilers.

Bring it on. Very excited about this. :D

[sworkhard]

The guy just can't win. He's been playing the PK and has been a responsible 2-way forward so far this season by backchecking and supporting his teammates, but now that he's not scoring, the goals all of a sudden matter again.

He focuses on goal scoring, he's padding his stats. He focuses on overall team play, he's washed up.

To me this is the best Iggy has looked in years. Having him playing on the PK seems to really help keep Iggy engaged in the game. He's playing a solid 2 way game and leads the team in shots by a lot (16 vs 10 for Tanguay who's second)

Normally, Iggy get 1 goal for every 8-9 shots, so with his normal shooting percentage he'd have 2 goals already. If he keeps this shot rate up (5.3/game), his shooting percentage will eventually regress to his mean (11-12.5%), and Iggy could end up with 28-32 goals this season. Of course, he's probably not going to keep getting 5+ shots per game, but if he does, he might surprise all of us.

I'm excited to see how he looks with Cervenka. Cervenka looks like he might have the skill to really help the top line.

[djsFlames]

Jiri is awesome.

Despite dealing with all that he had to he still watched all 3 games and seemed to already have a good idea of where the team needs to improve.

He's going to be a good leader with the knowledge of what it takes to win.

Handled his interviews very well. And said Cervenka is very excited to get in Saturday, and told him to not let his excitement get to him, but just focus on playing his game.

Pumped.

[Crazy Flamer]

Not sure how any of the Flames other than Kipper can be classified as "Fantastic".

1st Period was a mess, neither team played very well..

2nd Period, Canucks clearly dominated first 13 or 14 minutes... shots were 14-2.

Flames finished well, they had a strong 3rd and last 5 or 6 minutes of the second.

Its was a great finish but the Flames could have easly lost this game....

See, I think the Canucks could have just as easily lost this game. And yes, Iginla wasn't "fantastic" for the whole game. But what do you expect him to do? Score a goal every shift? I thought he had a great game. He had opportunities to score and put himself in scoring positions. It looked like he really wanted to take the game over in the 3rd period, he was everywhere.

[MissTeeks]

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak
#Flames (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Flames&src=hash) Hudler on returning from death of his father: "“I can not sit on my ass for the rest of the season, thinking about bad things."

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak
Hudler on Cervenka being cleared by doctors: “He was a little worried he would be spending time with Marty (Gelinas) for five more weeks."

[calumniate]

Hahaha best quotes of the day for sure!

[Royle9]

Just in time for my Cervenka jersey to be ready :cool:

[MissTeeks]

Kristen Odland ‏@KristenOdlandCH
@NHLFlames (https://twitter.com/NHLFlames) coach Bob Hartley said wants see Cervenka and Hudler on the ice w/team Friday before making a decision vs. Oilers. #NHL (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHL&src=hash)

[Royle9]

Kristen Odland ‏@KristenOdlandCH
@NHLFlames (https://twitter.com/NHLFlames) coach Bob Hartley said wants see Cervenka and Hudler on the ice w/team Friday before making a decision vs. Oilers. #NHL (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHL&src=hash)

Honestly tho, how can it be a tough decision to make the way the team's played thus far. I'll be disappointed to see either of them as a healthy scratch. Worse case scenario you put them on the 3rd line and give them less ice time, I hope he's just keeping the media optimistic.

[Riles]

I like that Hudler is able to crack a joke (Cervenka having to skate with Gelinas, who is still in amazing shape). Can't be easy to do that around a bunch of strangers in the media.
I lost my dad nearly nine years ago, and not many days go by that I don't miss him.

[Vinny01]

I really want to see a Sven-Cervenka-Hudler line on Saturday. Give them some sheltered minutes and let the 3 skilled forwards work some magic together

[CGY12]

This is not the time to sit and ease Cervenka or Hudler into the lineup. We've put ourselves behind the 8 ball and these guys have to be thrown into the fire, season is to short to mess around. It isn't like Cervenka is a 20 year old kid either, if he is medically cleared to play you put him in. It's not like guys like Comean or Begin or Jackman are providing anything special.

Cervenka better be in Saturday.

[MissTeeks]

Article from Flames website:

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=652208&navid=DL|CGY|home


Hartley, whose team is 0-2-1 to start the season, was excited to see both back in Calgary and on the ice.

“I think that we’re going to have some new bodies in the lineup in the very near future,” he said.



Getting a first-hand look at the recruits by way of a ‘coaches versus players’ scrimmage after a tough skate, Hartley was happy with where both were.

“They look pretty good,” Hartley said. “We had Roman a couple of days but obviously no contact situation or even in situations where we were not putting him in a drill where there’s danger of him being cut or something like this because we didn’t really know what was going on. We can see he has skills and has a passion for the game and so has Jiri.”



“Tomorrow they’re going to practice both with us and after this I think I’ll have a better picture,” Hartley said. “Those guys have traveled – especially Jiri – so I want to make sure they’re comfortable with it and we’ll see tomorrow. We’ll sit later on today and make plans and tomorrow’s practice, after this we’re going to decide for the Oilers.”



“It’s been tough, I’m happy I’m back,” he said. “I don’t know if it makes it easier but I know it’s a lot better for everyone. I really appreciated the Flames organization for letting me go home and spend some time there to take care of a lot of stuff. Like I said, I’m excited to be back and playing hockey.”

Speaking on his behalf, Hudler said Cervenka was excited to finally get his season - and North American career - started in Calgary after being told he’s good to go.

“He’s real happy to be coming back from Phoenix,” Hudler said. “The doctor told him that he’s cleared to play. He was a little worried that he would be spending time with Marty (Gelinas) for five more weeks but he’s excited.”

[Stay Golden]

Kristen Odland ‏@KristenOdlandCH
@NHLFlames (https://twitter.com/NHLFlames) coach Bob Hartley said wants see Cervenka and Hudler on the ice w/team Friday before making a decision vs. Oilers. #NHL (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NHL&src=hash)

after all your team is so deep in talent right. :rolleyes:
If Hartley is making this comment because he wants to know if they are physically fit to play then fine. If it is for any other reason he is off his rocker.

[SuperMatt18]

after all your team is so deep in talent right. :rolleyes:
If Hartley is making this comment because he wants to know if they are physically fit to play then fine. If it is for any other reason he is off his rocker.

I am pretty sure he is saying that in regards to having two guys who haven't played much hockey and both have had some injury issues this year.

I doubt he is keeping Blake Comeau and Steve Begin in the line up over these two just because.

[MissTeeks]

after all your team is so deep in talent right. :rolleyes:
If Hartley is making this comment because he wants to know if they are physically fit to play then fine. If it is for any other reason he is off his rocker.

From the Flames article, that would appear to be the reason why:


"Tomorrow they’re going to practice both with us and after this I think I’ll have a better picture,” Hartley said. “Those guys have traveled – especially Jiri – so I want to make sure they’re comfortable with it and we’ll see tomorrow. We’ll sit later on today and make plans and tomorrow’s practice, after this we’re going to decide for the Oilers.”

[ricardodw]

This is not the time to sit and ease Cervenka or Hudler into the lineup. We've put ourselves behind the 8 ball and these guys have to be thrown into the fire, season is to short to mess around. It isn't like Cervenka is a 20 year old kid either, if he is medically cleared to play you put him in. It's not like guys like Comean or Begin or Jackman are providing anything special.

Cervenka better be in Saturday.


If 2 of Comeau, Begin or Jackman get to sit in favour of Cervenka and Hudler then the Flames plan to win by 4 goals and hopefully stay away from the beating that the Oilers will try to lay on them.

[SuperMatt18]

If 2 of Comeau, Begin or Jackman get to sit in favour of Cervenka and Hudler then the Flames plan to win by 4 goals and hopefully stay away from the beating that the Oilers will try to lay on them.

Likely are going to want to prepare yourself for that Ricardo, my guess is Jones and Begin are the two Flames that sit out the game.

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Cammallieri-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Stempniak
Comeau-Stajan-Jackman

I would be surprised if it is not some combination of those 12 forwards in the lineup Saturday.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Likely are going to want to prepare yourself for that Ricardo, my guess is Jones and Begin are the two Flames that sit out the game.

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Cammallieri-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Stempniak
Comeau-Stajan-Jackman

I would be surprised if it is not some combination of those 12 forwards in the lineup Saturday.


Not to beat the dead horse that is Stajan again, but he just doesn't have the skillset to be on a checking line, Begin/Jones are a way better fit on the 4th line. Stajan can be benched and injury replacement if a top 9 role is needed.

[868904]

Not to beat the dead horse that is Stajan again, but he just doesn't have the skillset to be on a checking line, Begin/Jones are a way better fit on the 4th line. Stajan can be benched and injury replacement if a top 9 role is needed.

I think you will be disappointed. Hartley had Stajan out for key faceoffs against the Nucks. Even had Stajan take faceoffs and then come off for a change right away, something that I don't recall Brent doing much at all.

I think Stajan is our new faceoff specialist. He did okay against the Nucks at 58% and he was at 53% against SJ. Until there's a better option, I think we'll be seeing Stajan in the lineup lots.

[sworkhard]

I think you will be disappointed. Hartley had Stajan out for key faceoffs against the Nucks. Even had Stajan take faceoffs and then come off for a change right away, something that I don't recall Brent doing much at all.

I think Stajan is our new faceoff specialist. He did okay against the Nucks at 58% and he was at 53% against SJ. Until there's a better option, I think we'll be seeing Stajan in the lineup lots.

Agreed. Stajan has also been playing with an edge this year. He's been playing much tougher than he used too and deserves the third line center spot IMO.

I'd like to see something like this:
Tanguay - Backlund/Cervenka - Iginla
Baertchi/Cammalleri- Cervenka/Backlund - Hudler
Cammalleri/Baertchi- Stajan - Stempniak
Glencross - Jones - Comeau/Begin/Jackman

Ultimately I'd like to have Cervenka in the #1 C spots, but I think it would be good for Cervenka and Hudler to play together to start.

It will be interesting to see what the lineup ultimately ends up looking like. I wouldn't be surprised if Tanguay stays at Center either.

[Robo]

Agreed. Stajan has also been playing with an edge this year. He's been playing much tougher than he used too and deserves the third line center spot IMO.

I'd like to see something like this:
Tanguay - Backlund/Cervenka - Iginla
Baertchi/Cammalleri- Cervenka/Backlund - Hudler
Cammalleri/Baertchi- Stajan - Stempniak
Glencross - Jones - Comeau/Begin/Jackman

Ultimately I'd like to have Cervenka in the #1 C spots, but I think it would be good for Cervenka and Hudler to play together to start.

It will be interesting to see what the lineup ultimately ends up looking like. I wouldn't be surprised if Tanguay stays at Center either.
Wow I have no idea what Hartley is gonna do with this lineup so many bodies

[ricardodw]

Agreed. Stajan has also been playing with an edge this year. He's been playing much tougher than he used too and deserves the third line center spot IMO.

I'd like to see something like this:
Tanguay - Backlund/Cervenka - Iginla
Baertchi/Cammalleri- Cervenka/Backlund - Hudler
Cammalleri/Baertchi- Stajan - Stempniak
Glencross - Jones - Comeau/Begin/Jackman

Ultimately I'd like to have Cervenka in the #1 C spots, but I think it would be good for Cervenka and Hudler to play together to start.

It will be interesting to see what the lineup ultimately ends up looking like. I wouldn't be surprised if Tanguay stays at Center either.


So Glencross the highest ice time forward and leading scorer after 3 games gets put on the 4th line?


The Flames have 3 grit guys in the top 9 --- Iginla, Glencross and this year it appears to be Stempniak ...... If that is the way it plays out this will be a lottery pick team.

Kipper will be hurt by game 15 .... it is open season on him as there are just a handful of Flames who would do anything about it.

[sworkhard]

So Glencross the highest ice time forward and leading scorer after 3 games gets put on the 4th line?


The Flames have 3 grit guys in the top 9 --- Iginla, Glencross and this year it appears to be Stempniak ...... If that is the way it plays out this will be a lottery pick team.

Kipper will be hurt by game 15 .... it is open season on him as there are just a handful of Flames who would do anything about it.

Thing with Glencross is he can play the 4th line better than anyone else on this team. If he plays 4th line, special teams (both PK and PP), and the odd top line shift, he'll get plenty of ice time and have an impact IMO.

If Tanguay continues to play center, then I expect Glencross to continue to play top 9, but if not, he's the only winger we have that will continue to produce from the 4th line.

[ricardodw]

Thing with Glencross is he can play the 4th line better than anyone else on this team. If he plays 4th line, special teams (both PK and PP), and the odd top line shift, he'll get plenty of ice time and have an impact IMO.

If Tanguay continues to play center, then I expect Glencross to continue to play top 9, but if not, he's the only winger we have that will continue to produce from the 4th line.


The best 4th liner player kicks in 10 goals. Glencross has not played a shift on a 4th line since Edmonton in 2007-08 with Brodziak and Sortini.


Iam sure that Iginla, Tangauy and Cammalleri can kick in 10-15 goals palying with Jonesand Jackman.... as Tanguay and Cammalleri don't provide protection or toughness for the top lines it would make more sense to move them to the 4th line.


Why pick on Glencross?

That is like saying Lucic is tough so put him on the forth line.

[sworkhard]

The best 4th liner player kicks in 10 goals. Glencross has not played a shift on a 4th line since Edmonton in 2007-08 with Brodziak and Sortini.


Iam sure that Iginla, Tangauy and Cammalleri can kick in 10-15 goals palying with Jonesand Jackman.... as Tanguay and Cammalleri don't provide protection or toughness for the top lines it would make more sense to move them to the 4th line.


Why pick on Glencross?

That is like saying Lucic is tough so put him on the forth line.

Which other winger do we have that could excel on the 4th line? Stempniak could hold his own I guess, but I doubt he'll excel. Baertchi certainly doesn't belong there, Neither do Cammalleri, Iggy, Tanguay, or Hudler.

Glencross got a hat trick playing on the 4th line a few years back when Sutter demoted him to it after playing a few bad games. While he's probably played more time on the 3rd line than anywhere else since we acquired him, he's certainly played his share of shifts on the 4th line.

This is the great thing about Glencross, he can produce on any line you put him on. He can play a simple, crash and bang game and produce. He can play with skilled player and produce. And regardless of where he plays, he's going to get PP and PK time.

Putting Glencross on the 4th line has very little to do with toughness, and more how he can produce without skilled linemates. We know Glencross can produce regardless of the skill level of his linemates. I'm not convinced anyone else in our top 9 could.

[Eric]

Prorate last years season, and Glencross is a 30 goal scorer.

Why do we want a 30 goal scorer on the fourth line? Its really as simple as that...

[Anduril]

At this point we're going to be arguing over nothing since one way or another, somebody who deserves top 9 ice time or is too talented to not be playing will be left out.

I for one, think Cammy should take a seat this game.

Tanguay Backlund Iginla
Glencross Cervenka Hudler
Baertschi Stajan Stempniak
Begin Jones Jackman


Defense is the same as last game.

Scribbled with the Note II

[kyuss275]

Thing with Glencross is he can play the 4th line better than anyone else on this team. If he plays 4th line, special teams (both PK and PP), and the odd top line shift, he'll get plenty of ice time and have an impact IMO.

If Tanguay continues to play center, then I expect Glencross to continue to play top 9, but if not, he's the only winger we have that will continue to produce from the 4th line.


Glencross on the 4th line is an absolute no. If they have to go to those extremes just so Sven can play top 9 i rather Sven go to the heat.

[Heavy Jack]

Here's what I'd like to see:

Glencross - Tanguay - Iginla -- They are really close to being a great line, once Hartley went back to them and away from the Cammy/Backs/Iggy combo things began to pick up in the Nucks game, they were arguably our best line in the 3rd. I haven't hated Iginla's play so far he just hasn't been lucky, Glenny has been our best forward and deserves top spot of the left side of Tanguay whom I think we are going to see at center for the long run.

Baertschi - Backlund - Cammy -- Baertschi and Backs have shown flashes of that chemistry a few times in the first three games but haven't really been able to connect outside of Backlund's goal against the nucks and assist on the PP on the lone goal against the Sharks. I think Hartley needs to stick with this combo though, especially for this game, the Oilers are trumpeting their "loot" right now and though ours isn't as shiny it would be a big win if those guys could out play some of the young Oilers. Cammy is a top 6 forward, I know he's been slow so far but he has an amazing shot and is a pure sniper, if Hartley sticks with these guys I think they will develop chemistry!

Stempniak - Cervenka - Hudler -- Can't have Cammy and Hudler on the same line, makes it to small of a line, so throw Stemps into the second of pretty much two 2nd lines. He lost some of his spark against Vancouver and that shoot-out attempt was brutal but he can finish and create speed and a cycle down low. Huds and Cervenka are playing their first game this year, Roman of his career, and should get shelter minutes and good match-ups, can't wait to see these guys!! Wideman has been a great addition of the big 3 so far.

This is where it gets interesting, basically the Flames have to decide between 3 of Begin, Jackman, Jones, Stajan, Comeau and our of those 3 I think the Flames have no choice but to go with the following:

Begin - Stajan - Jackman

Stajan is being used in a face-off role as someone mentioned earlier and he is so far fulfilling that need, Stajan has also been on the 4th line here before so he knows that show, Jackman is a big part of our lacking toughness and I think Begin has shown more than Comeau so he deserves the nod over Blake, he brings a ton of energy when he's out there and is a little tougher than Blake as well.

[sa226]

I think it will be interesting to see if Hartley sticks with a converted winger at center, or if he moves guys back to their natural position.

If guys go back to their natural position, I think the only guy bumped out of the top 9 who deserves to be there is Stempniak.

If he is committed to making Tanguay (or even Hudler) a center then Stajan goes back to 4th line center and Stempniak stays up.

It will be interesting for sure.

[StrykerSteve]

Here's what I'd like to see:

Glencross - Tanguay - Iginla -- They are really close to being a great line, once Hartley went back to them and away from the Cammy/Backs/Iggy combo things began to pick up in the Nucks game, they were arguably our best line in the 3rd. I haven't hated Iginla's play so far he just hasn't been lucky, Glenny has been our best forward and deserves top spot of the left side of Tanguay whom I think we are going to see at center for the long run.

Baertschi - Backlund - Cammy -- Baertschi and Backs have shown flashes of that chemistry a few times in the first three games but haven't really been able to connect outside of Backlund's goal against the nucks and assist on the PP on the lone goal against the Sharks. I think Hartley needs to stick with this combo though, especially for this game, the Oilers are trumpeting their "loot" right now and though ours isn't as shiny it would be a big win if those guys could out play some of the young Oilers. Cammy is a top 6 forward, I know he's been slow so far but he has an amazing shot and is a pure sniper, if Hartley sticks with these guys I think they will develop chemistry!

Stempniak - Cervenka - Hudler -- Can't have Cammy and Hudler on the same line, makes it to small of a line, so throw Stemps into the second of pretty much two 2nd lines. He lost some of his spark against Vancouver and that shoot-out attempt was brutal but he can finish and create speed and a cycle down low. Huds and Cervenka are playing their first game this year, Roman of his career, and should get shelter minutes and good match-ups, can't wait to see these guys!! Wideman has been a great addition of the big 3 so far.

This is where it gets interesting, basically the Flames have to decide between 3 of Begin, Jackman, Jones, Stajan, Comeau and our of those 3 I think the Flames have no choice but to go with the following:

Begin - Stajan - Jackman

Stajan is being used in a face-off role as someone mentioned earlier and he is so far fulfilling that need, Stajan has also been on the 4th line here before so he knows that show, Jackman is a big part of our lacking toughness and I think Begin has shown more than Comeau so he deserves the nod over Blake, he brings a ton of energy when he's out there and is a little tougher than Blake as well.

I really dislike the Flames' forward mix right now. Mostly because they have too many 4th liners, and Cammalleri's poor play is screwing up the top 9 rotation beyond belief.

[SuperMatt18]

I really dislike the Flames' forward mix right now. Mostly because they have too many 4th liners, and Cammalleri's poor play is screwing up the top 9 rotation beyond belief.

Too many 4th liners? If anything we don't have enough actual good 4th liners.

What we have is too many 2/3rd line wingers that aren't really gritty and need protection to be effective.

[StrykerSteve]

No argument here.

[Stay Golden]

Cammy should be demoted to the 3rd line until his cardio and legs are season ready.
He is so out of shape at the moment and its hurting the second line.
Cammy should have to prove to Hartley he is ready for second line duties again.
Even on the PP he was out of position and late.

[kyuss275]

Cammy should be demoted to the 3rd line until his cardio and legs are season ready.
He is so out of shape at the moment and its hurting the second line.
Cammy should have to prove to Hartley he is ready for second line duties again.
Even on the PP he was out of position and late.


I agee with the bolded part. He should have to face some sort of punishment for his play. The thing is, when this team is fully healthy what is the 3rd line? Cervenka Hudler and Cammi does not sound like a demotion?

I really don't think this team has a 3rd line. With the makeup of players they have, they have a 2a and 2b line and a 1st line without a legit center.

[Stay Golden]

Agree 3rd lines are usually checkers that are hard to play against. Can chip in and cause turnovers. The Flames do not have that for a 3rd line.

[FlamesAddiction]

I wasn't sure if I should bump the CBA thread or put it here, but does anyone know how bonuses are treated in the new CBA?

The reason I ask is Cervenka's base salary is quite low, but bonuses bring it up substantially. Are the numbers he has to achieve to reach the bonus adjusted due to the shortened season? Obviously the bonus money would need to be adjected as well in that case.

[FakenHaken]

I agee with the bolded part. He should have to face some sort of punishment for his play. The thing is, when this team is fully healthy what is the 3rd line? Cervenka Hudler and Cammi does not sound like a demotion?

I really don't think this team has a 3rd line. With the makeup of players they have, they have a 2a and 2b line and a 1st line without a legit center.

This almost sounds like Eddie Shore

http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/553/864/55386426_640.jpg

[Caged Great]

Agree 3rd lines are usually checkers that are hard to play against. Can chip in and cause turnovers. The Flames do not have that for a 3rd line.

Not necessarily any more. If you can have 3 legitimate scoring lines that can cycle well in the offensive zone, you can limit the opposition's control of the play due to puck control.

[dino7c]

playing on a talented "3rd" line against weaker competition is not a bad thing that should be one of the Flames strengths. Their top end may not be as high but IF everyone was going they have nice balance. When is the last time the entire team was healthy? I can't even remember a time.

[ricardodw]

I agee with the bolded part. He should have to face some sort of punishment for his play. The thing is, when this team is fully healthy what is the 3rd line? Cervenka Hudler and Cammi does not sound like a demotion?

I really don't think this team has a 3rd line. With the makeup of players they have, they have a 2a and 2b line and a 1st line without a legit center.


this team is shaping up like the Edmonton team of 2009-10 where going into the season they had too many 30 goal scorers.... Hemsky, Penner, Nilson, gagner, Cogliano, Horcoff, Moreau, pisanni, O'sullivan..... Schremp got crowded out of this high scoring lineup.


They finished in last ..... 12 points behind 29th place.

[Ashasx]

nm

[ricardodw]

playing on a talented "3rd" line against weaker competition is not a bad thing that should be one of the Flames strengths. Their top end may not be as high but IF everyone was going they have nice balance. When is the last time the entire team was healthy? I can't even remember a time.


The third line is supposed to be able to go up against the other teams top line and not poop the bed.

What is the Flames checking line?

[ricardodw]

Not necessarily any more. If you can have 3 legitimate scoring lines that can cycle well in the offensive zone, you can limit the opposition's control of the play due to puck control.


please provide a single example in the history of the NHL where this ever worked.

[dino7c]

The third line is supposed to be able to go up against the other teams top line and not poop the bed.

What is the Flames checking line?

very few teams play that way anymore, most teams match top lines

[Coach]

The third line is supposed to be able to go up against the other teams top line and not poop the bed.

What is the Flames checking line?

IMO, ideally that is the 4th line. With the way the NHL is today all 4 lines need to contribute. You can't have a 4th line of pluggers getting <5min per game. I think jones has shown the ability to be a player in that role. Begin fits that mold as well. I was hoping Bouma could play as he does a good job of this as well and I think is an upgrade on Jackman in terms of hockey ability. Jackman just can't keep up with those players.

[timbit]

Nm

[timbit]

very few teams play that way anymore, most teams match top lines

That is a fact....and where the flames run into problems .

[ricardodw]

very few teams play that way anymore, most teams match top lines


So Is Stoll the #1 centre on LA Or Sedin the #3 centre on the Canucks?

Boyd Gordon must be on the Phoenix #1 line because he was head to head with Toews and kane.

Ovechkin -- Brad Boyle...

Maybe its just the teams that win and make the playoffs??

[ricardodw]

IMO, ideally that is the 4th line. With the way the NHL is today all 4 lines need to contribute. You can't have a 4th line of pluggers getting <5min per game. I think jones has shown the ability to be a player in that role. Begin fits that mold as well. I was hoping Bouma could play as he does a good job of this as well and I think is an upgrade on Jackman in terms of hockey ability. Jackman just can't keep up with those players.


What 4th line goes up against Iginla?

4th line , even in the most rolling 4 lines teams play 10 minutes/game


Canucks had lapierre, Volpati, Wiese and Maholtra playing less than 10 minutes last game.


the only time that AV would have had these slug on against Iginla would be if they got caught on an icing.

You try to figure out how well the Sedins would go against Jackman, Begin and Jones or Stajan??

[dino7c]

So Is Stoll the #1 centre on LA Or Sedin the #3 centre on the Canucks?

Boyd Gordon must be on the Phoenix #1 line because he was head to head with Toews and kane.

Ovechkin -- Brad Boyle...

Maybe its just the teams that win and make the playoffs??

those three teams have been great so far

[ricardodw]

those three teams have been great so far


If the Flames play in 16 or more playoff games NYR (20), LAK(24) Phx(16), winning 2 series you will have me convinced..

The Kings would gladly match up Kopitar-Brown and Williams against the Flames top line Iginla-Tanguay-Cammalleri as this gives the Kings a physical mismatch.

same with Thorton's line, Getzlaf's line, the Flames lack talented big top 6 players.


At least with Jokinen in the top 6 the Flames had a big body that wouldn't be run over all of the time.

[ricardodw]

Likely are going to want to prepare yourself for that Ricardo, my guess is Jones and Begin are the two Flames that sit out the game.

Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla
Cammallieri-Cervenka-Hudler
Baertschi-Backlund-Stempniak
Comeau-Stajan-Jackman

I would be surprised if it is not some combination of those 12 forwards in the lineup Saturday.

looks like Jones or Begin draw in over Baertschi

Hartley and Gelinas can see that this team is one physical thrashing from totally quiting

[Stay Golden]

960 reporting Cervenka and Hudler both to play vs EDM. :)
With Stajan as the center. Huh, sorry Hartley i don't get this one. :confused:

Cervenka and Hudler please note if you receive a pass from Matt do not return it. Keep it and do whatever you like but do not pass it back to Stajan

[kyuss275]

What 4th line goes up against Iginla?

4th line , even in the most rolling 4 lines teams play 10 minutes/game


Canucks had lapierre, Volpati, Wiese and Maholtra playing less than 10 minutes last game.


the only time that AV would have had these slug on against Iginla would be if they got caught on an icing.

You try to figure out how well the Sedins would go against Jackman, Begin and Jones or Stajan??


We got the answer to that last game. Sedins pinned the flames in their own end for 2 minutes. It was a miracle they did not score.

[Coach]

whoa triple post sorry team.

[Coach]

double post

[Coach]

What 4th line goes up against Iginla?

4th line , even in the most rolling 4 lines teams play 10 minutes/game


Canucks had lapierre, Volpati, Wiese and Maholtra playing less than 10 minutes last game.


the only time that AV would have had these slug on against Iginla would be if they got caught on an icing.

You try to figure out how well the Sedins would go against Jackman, Begin and Jones or Stajan??

I never said those players should necessarily be doing it (although I think Jones and Begin can play that role). I said IDEALLY your 4th line should be able to play against top players and shut them down. Especially when the team is built like the flames with the top-9 forwards all being threats to score. I'd rather have guys like Jones and Begin playing against the Sedins (if they can do it effectively) than wasting the top line players ice-time trying to defend against the other top line.

And to your point, Im pretty sure Malholtra would be playing against most teams top lines (especially with no Kesler) for a few reasons, he is defensively responsible and is a good faceoff man (ie, can keep the puck away from the other team). The only reason a coach loads top line against top line is if the other teams top line doesnt have the ability to play good defense and can be exploited.

Near the end of the season last year Jones was being deployed against top lines and doing it very efectively because he was winning faceoffs, was hard on the puck and was getting under the skin of opposing players. If you bottom line can't do stuff like this what is their value?

[JazzyFlame]

Some people on this forum are seriously emotional messes. hartley knows what is best for the team, hence he coaches ....hockey teams.

[SuperMatt18]

What 4th line goes up against Iginla?

4th line , even in the most rolling 4 lines teams play 10 minutes/game


Canucks had lapierre, Volpati, Wiese and Maholtra playing less than 10 minutes last game.


the only time that AV would have had these slug on against Iginla would be if they got caught on an icing.

You try to figure out how well the Sedins would go against Jackman, Begin and Jones or Stajan??

Stajan actually did good against the Sedin's Wednesday in his shifts against them. People may not want to admit it but Stajan is becoming a half decent third line center for the Flames and is really the only consistent faceoff guy on our team.

His lack of size is still an issue against the Thorton's and Getzlaf's but he is decent defensively.

[Stay Golden]

Stajan actually did good against the Sedin's Wednesday in his shifts against them. People may not want to admit it but Stajan is becoming a half decent third line center for the Flames and is really the only consistent faceoff guy on our team.

His lack of size is still an issue against the Thorton's and Getzlaf's but he is decent defensively.

I agree Stajan is decent defensively and added also on the PK but he is not a finsher that is certain.

Just get the puck to Cervenka and Hudler and he has done his job.

[Change of Heart]

I agree Stajan is decent defensively and added also on the PK but he is not a finsher that is certain.

Just get the puck to Cervenka and Hudler and he has done his job.

Ragin Stajan is going to pot 2 goals tomorrow night to show you different

[Karl]

Stajan actually did good against the Sedin's Wednesday in his shifts against them. People may not want to admit it but Stajan is becoming a half decent third line center for the Flames and is really the only consistent faceoff guy on our team.

His lack of size is still an issue against the Thorton's and Getzlaf's but he is decent defensively.

Yeah. Even if he's still struggling offensively, I've seen an improvement in Stajan's game in his own zone throughout the first 3 games. Defensively he's playing a lot better right now and he's competing reasonably well consistently in puck battles.

His play he made against the Ducks Corey Perry is proof of that.

[SuperMatt18]

Stajan is competing much harder then his first couple seasons in Calgary.

I think in the past he pouted that he wasn't getting first line minutes like promised when Darryl signed him and his play was impacted.

The second half of last year and to start this season it looks like he is actually embracing that third line center role now and realizes that he really isn't a top 6 center in the NHL. If he continues to compete hard he will be an asset for the team this season.

[Stay Golden]

Ragin Stajan is going to pot 2 goals tomorrow night to show you different

lol hey he just might or even an assist. Who knows maybe Matt can speak a little bit of Czch. :D

[Enoch Root]

this team is shaping up like the Edmonton team of 2009-10 where going into the season they had too many 30 goal scorers.... Hemsky, Penner, Nilson, gagner, Cogliano, Horcoff, Moreau, pisanni, O'sullivan..... Schremp got crowded out of this high scoring lineup.


They finished in last ..... 12 points behind 29th place.
Thanks - I actually laughed out loud

Now, to fix your post, here is the highest goal total for each player:

Hemsky 23
Horcoff 22
O'Sullivan 22
Moreau 20
Gagner 18
Cogliano 18
Pisani 18
Nilson 11

Penner got 31 the year you referred to, but had never had 30 up to that point.

The reason this lineup sucked was because NONE of their nine 30 goal scorers had ever actually gotten 30 goals up to that point, and only one of those 9 have managed the feat in their entire careers since - and he did it once.

Thank you for this awesome post!

[ricardodw]

Thanks - I actually laughed out loud

Now, to fix your post, here is the highest goal total for each player:

Hemsky 23
Horcoff 22
O'Sullivan 22
Moreau 20
Gagner 18
Cogliano 18
Pisani 18
Nilson 11

Penner got 31 the year you referred to, but had never had 30 up to that point.

The reason this lineup sucked was because NONE of their nine 30 goal scorers had ever actually gotten 30 goals up to that point, and only one of those 9 have managed the feat in their entire careers since - and he did it once.

Thank you for this awesome post!

The point I was trying for (and apparently missed) was the false optimism generated by having a bunch of 3rd line scorers. A lot of the press were calling for the Oilers tomake the playoffs that year based on their late season rally and scoring depth.


This thread was going on about how many good player the Flames have and that they have so many scorers that they can basically roll 4 scoring lines and there is no room for checkers.

How does this years Flames line-up differ that drastically than the oilers in 2009?

Iginla and Cammalleri are the only Flames forwards to actual get 30 goals in a year. Yet there is no room to play Jones, Begin Comeau and jackman.

[JazzyFlame]

The point I was trying for (and apparently missed) was the false optimism generated by having a bunch of 3rd line scorers. A lot of the press were calling for the Oilers tomake the playoffs that year based on their late season rally and scoring depth.


This thread was going on about how many good player the Flames have and that they have so many scorers that they can basically roll 4 scoring lines and there is no room for checkers.

How does this years Flames line-up differ that drastically than the oilers in 2009?

Iginla and Cammalleri are the only Flames forwards to actual get 30 goals in a year. Yet there is no room to play Jones, Begin Comeau and jackman.


Lest we forget score faces 26 in 67

[Alberta_Beef]

did I correctly read it was Stajan centering Cervenka & Hudler in practice? I actually quite like that possibility. Hudler is most definitely more of a finisher and looking at Cervenka's career numbers he appears to be someone who can do both shoot and pass, then Stajan is primarily a playmaker. Plus with Srajan's defensive play and faceoff ability it will make the line much more defensively sound and give them puck control more often.

[Enoch Root]

The point I was trying for (and apparently missed) was the false optimism generated by having a bunch of 3rd line scorers. A lot of the press were calling for the Oilers tomake the playoffs that year based on their late season rally and scoring depth.


This thread was going on about how many good player the Flames have and that they have so many scorers that they can basically roll 4 scoring lines and there is no room for checkers.

How does this years Flames line-up differ that drastically than the oilers in 2009?

Iginla and Cammalleri are the only Flames forwards to actual get 30 goals in a year. Yet there is no room to play Jones, Begin Comeau and jackman.
Well I agree that you need a 4th line that can add grit and energy, but I think msot people are saying 3 scoring lines, not 4, which I have no problem with at all.

[868904]

Flames desperately need some good news at the NHL level, need something good to happen to this franchise. Cervenka needs to pan out!

It's just been failure after failure since 2004.

Even the spark that was Baerstchi is fading with the typical rookie growing pains.

[Anduril]

The third line is supposed to be able to go up against the other teams top line and not poop the bed.

What is the Flames checking line?

It's not like there must be that big mean 3rd line that does not but shutdown top lines and pot a goal here or there. With what we have in our lineup, if the players can stick to Hartley's philosophy, stay in the offensive zone, that's just as good as having a shutdown line.


Problem of course is the consistency from period to period doing so.

Sent from the Prime

[puckluck2]

Thought Cervenka looked pretty comfortable out there as the game went on.

Him and Hudler have tremendous patience on the pp on the half wall which IMO is the number one thing out pp has been missing for a while.

[schteve_d]

Thought Cervenka looked pretty comfortable out there as the game went on.

Him and Hudler have tremendous patience on the pp on the half wall which IMO is the number one thing out pp has been missing for a while.

All this without a whole lot of practice together, or at all lately! They've got four days without a game now to learn and practice "the system".

I am so exited to see these two together over the next few games!

[Diverce]

For someone that hasn't played since November he looked great.

Think the play that did it for me, which probably went un noticed was on the pp, just before Stemps goal. When Hudler fired it to Bouw, Cervenka lifted the guys stick covering the seam so the puck could get to Bouw. After that I was sold on this guy, hockey sense and vision is top notch.

I think having Hudler for a few more years means we are going to get Cervenka for a few more year too.

[dammage79]

For someone that hasn't played since November he looked great.

Think the play that did it for me, which probably went un noticed was on the pp, just before Stemps goal. When Hudler fired it to Bouw, Cervenka lifted the guys stick covering the seam so the puck could get to Bouw. After that I was sold on this guy, hockey sense and vision is top notch.

I think having Hudler for a few more years means we are going to get Cervenka for a few more year too.

Certainly hope so. Good chemistry out there between the two. Stajan fits nicely there as well. Been able to get the puck out of the corners and get those two the puck.

[Itse]

Stajan has turned out to be a solid defensive center and based on the way he plays I'm guessing he's a good guy to ask about the fine print on our system. I'm guessing that makes him a much better linemate for Hudler and Cervenka at this point than for example Baertchi would.

Putting together three guys who combine for about 10 games in Flames uniform as linemates propably would not have been the best idea, especially with a shortened training camp, a short season and two of the players not being able to practice fully.

[Alberta_Beef]

Stajan has turned out to be a solid defensive center and based on the way he plays I'm guessing he's a good guy to ask about the fine print on our system. I'm guessing that makes him a much better linemate for Hudler and Cervenka at this point than for example Baertchi would.

Putting together three guys who combine for about 10 games in Flames uniform as linemates propably would not have been the best idea, especially with a shortened training camp, a short season and two of the players not being able to practice fully.I hope that line sticks together quite a bit longer, how many times last season did we see Stajan make a pass from behind the net only to have Jackman or Kostopolous or Bouma just whiff or take a feeble shot. Having 2 guys that have a decent release and some semblance of hockey sense is only going to help Stajan as well.

[dammage79]

I hope that line sticks together quite a bit longer, how many times last season did we see Stajan make a pass from behind the net only to have Jackman or Kostopolous or Bouma just whiff or take a feeble shot. Having 2 guys that have a decent release and some semblance of hockey sense is only going to help Stajan as well.

This again points out Stajans ability to play well when supported by skilled players. He showed it last year with his cup of coffee on the top line and looked quite comfortable being the main forechecking presence last night on the third line.

[Alberta_Beef]

This again points out Stajans ability to play well when supported by skilled players. He showed it last year with his cup of coffee on the top line and looked quite comfortable being the main forechecking presence last night on the third line.he really did and he has been able to do it fairly consistently too since he was finally getting some ice time at the end of last season.

[Anduril]

Woah guys. Let's not carried away here. Clearly Stajan is just raising our expectations then crush it, so that he can further establish his reputation as a sub NHL player.
/s

[blankall]

Flames desperately need some good news at the NHL level, need something good to happen to this franchise. Cervenka needs to pan out!

It's just been failure after failure since 2004.

Even the spark that was Baerstchi is fading with the typical rookie growing pains.

Please find something better to do with your time than posting here.

[T@T]

When you consider Cervenka had one practice and didn't play at all for about 6 weeks I thought he was incredible,Hartley was smart starting him on the wing but I suspect he'll be at center within 2 weeks.

Even flames hater Hrudey can't hate this guys game.

[Yrebmi]

I don't think Hrudey hates the Flames. I actually think Calgary may be one of his preferred teams. He obviously was friends with Vernon.
He does have a bias towards the goalies pov - understandable. He also seems to be a mite harsher on judgments towards the Flames team (possibly to balance bias?). He is certainly no worse than many on Calgary Puck.

[Henry Fool]

Cervenka looked about as good as you could hope under the circumstances. Hudler has great vision in the offensive zone but also many weaknesses. Stajan worked his ass off for the Czechs in that game.

However, the final verdict comes after the season. Even bad teams get wins, even bad players have good games, and we haven't seen them beat a real team yet.

[Alberta_Beef]

I don't think Hrudey hates the Flames. I actually think Calgary may be one of his preferred teams. He obviously was friends with Vernon.
He does have a bias towards the goalies pov - understandable. He also seems to be a mite harsher on judgments towards the Flames team (possibly to balance bias?). He is certainly no worse than many on Calgary Puck.That's what I think as well. The goalie bias is certain, and he even admits that. Team to team I don't know if he is a Calgary fan but I have seen is speculated many times and I think he tries to keep from letting it show, but I think the frustration of being a Flames fan leaked out when he ripped Bourque to shreds for being lazy.

[Vinny01]

Hrudey is a season ticket holder if I am not mistaken? He definitely watches a ton of flames hockey and is more educated about the team than any national media member

[GreenLantern]

I get the sense that Hrudey is hard on the Flames the way a teacher leans on a student he knows can do better..

[indes]

I like Cervenka so far, he was hustlin out there on the backcheck, something I didn't expect for some reason

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Cervenka showed intelligence and skill and a surprising amount of jam along the boards. He's got a quick first few steps and looks pretty strong on his skates.

Like what I saw out of him in the first game. I suspect he'll move to centre at some point.

[getbak]

However, the final verdict comes after the season. Even bad teams get wins, even bad players have good games, and we haven't seen them beat a real team yet.
What do you mean? They beat the Stanley Cup favorite.

:ph34r:

[flamesaresmokin]

Please find something better to do with your time than posting here.

Yeah, who want's to hear a fair analysis of the franchise when you can just ignore the facts? Aside from a couple of years post lockout, these Flames teams have been failures.

The team does need Cervenka to pan out in a serious way. If he does, this season could definitely turn out to be a lot better then many were predicting. I really like what I saw out of him against the Oilers (surprisingly) but let's wait and see where he's at after a handful of games here.

[kyuss275]

Was there a practice today? If so does anybody know the lines at practice?

[getbak]

Was there a practice today? If so does anybody know the lines at practice?
Same as the game on Saturday, except Tanguay was off for a maintenance day and Begin filled in for him between Glencross and Iginla. Also, Comeau and Jackman switched out on the fourth line.

The d-pairings were the same except Butler was paired with Sarich and Smith worked with Babchuk.

[flamesrule_kipper34]

Hrudey is a season ticket holder if I am not mistaken? He definitely watches a ton of flames hockey and is more educated about the team than any national media member

Can't guarantee this, but he's been to every Flames' game so far this year, I've seen him at all of them.

[Five-hole]

Cervenka showed intelligence and skill and a surprising amount of jam along the boards. He's got a quick first few steps and looks pretty strong on his skates.

Like what I saw out of him in the first game. I suspect he'll move to centre at some point.

I gotta say that I disagree on his board play while otherwise agreeing that he looked quite good. I didn't see him engage the player on the boards very much. His puck skills and positioning were fine along the boards but when it came to trying to force a turnover I didn't see much from him.

That could easily be chalked up to one of the differences between international ice and NHL ice, though. And I'd rather he be competent in open ice as that's been an element sorely lacking from the Flames over the Brent Sutter era.

[FusionX]

Same as the game on Saturday, except Tanguay was off for a maintenance day and Begin filled in for him between Glencross and Iginla. Also, Comeau and Jackman switched out on the fourth line.

The d-pairings were the same except Butler was paired with Sarich and Smith worked with Babchuk.

I hope they leave Jackman in over Comeau...

[T@T]

I get the sense that Hrudey is hard on the Flames the way a teacher leans on a student he knows can do better..
Hrudey is a born and raised oiler fan, If Kevin Lowe took a crap on his living room floor he would tell him it's ok and clean it up for him.

I suspect his wife makes him live in our fine city.

[vicarious]

Cervenka looked better as the game went on. I thought his first few shifts he looked nervous and hesitant. Hopefully what he did towards the end of the game are a sign of things to come.

The only thing that didn't seem to improve were his casual line changes, would like to see him hustle more on the way back to the bench.

I also hope Stajan gets bumped back down to the 4th line so that a younger, more talented player can join the czech mates line.

[troutman]

Uno Cervenka, por favor.

[Enoch Root]

make that dos

[FakenHaken]

make that dos

tres frio Cervenka por favor

[Cole436]

Hrudey is a born and raised oiler fan, If Kevin Lowe took a crap on his living room floor he would tell him it's ok and clean it up for him.

I suspect his wife makes him live in our fine city.

Kelly is a Flames season ticket holder, and they're the closest thing he has to a favourite team in the NHL. So, no you're wrong.

[Diverce]

Cervenka looked better as the game went on. I thought his first few shifts he looked nervous and hesitant. Hopefully what he did towards the end of the game are a sign of things to come.

The only thing that didn't seem to improve were his casual line changes, would like to see him hustle more on the way back to the bench.

I also hope Stajan gets bumped back down to the 4th line so that a younger, more talented player can join the czech mates line.

People really need to get rid of the blind hate they have for Stajan. He may not have been the best player in year's past, but the past has zero to do with now, and this year so far he has proven himself capable of playing with them...

[spiteface]

People really need to get rid of the blind hate they have for Stajan. He may not have been the best player in year's past, but the past has zero to do with now, and this year so far he has proven himself capable of playing with them...

based on his previous play, i will not believe the past has zero to do with now.

[Textcritic]

Kelly is a Flames season ticket holder, and they're the closest thing he has to a favourite team in the NHL. So, no you're wrong.
I don't think this is right. While I expect that Hrudey is more of a "fan" of the Flames than of most other NHL teams, he has been rather explicit in the past about his love for the Oilers. It is a fact that he grew up an Oilers fan, and it is a fact that he is still an Oilers fan, and has admitted as much in public on a few occasions.

[jschick88]

Sorry for bumping an old thread. Found this article interesting.

@jedli (https://twitter.com/jedli) ex #Flames F Roman Cervenka talked to czech web idnes.cz about his NHL time. Interesting for all people in Calgary. "Flames promised me something to sign with them and the reality was completely different.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/709zsxrl2oltj67/Roman%20Cervenka.pdf

[Badgers Nose]

Very interesting.

[Bertuzzied]

Maybe if he was a center he would have had a better chance.

[kn]

Asked to be traded? That's perseverance! How long before he went that route? One month?

[FlamesAddiction]

After the lockout and him not being in great game shape at the start (not his fault, but alas...), I think all bets were off.

[RT14]

Why was he wearing a different colored jersey than everyone else during practices?