Flames win 4-1. and win in OT

[sureLoss]

Wooo!!

http://fat.gfycat.com/IdealUnfortunateHarvestmen.gif

[Gaskal]

https://theoffdutymime.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/kent-brockman_52820.gif
Around the League Report

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/images/smilies/Vancouver_Canucks_logo_SS.png
Good for Craig Conroy working his way up in the Flames' front office. No idea why he wasn't just given the top job, but good for him. Always liked him as a player.
Dougie Hamilton really was the perfect defenseman for their club. What a steal. That guy has been the most noticeable Flame for me tonight and not in a happy way.

Sam ties it
Wow... The Flames are dangerous.

Dougie Hamilton as a Flame... http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/images/smilies/facepalm.gif
Looked to me like Sven just sorta came back...to nowhere.

Dumb change made a mess of things, nobody seemed to clean it up. Sven just sorta cruising back, ended up in no-mans-land - gotta keep his head on a swivel there, none of the other forwards even seemed to bother trying...Bennett wide open. Done.
Sbisa -1 already!
19 years old strike!
That's a bad rebound...
Ferland dishing out the salt
I know I'm late to the Party but good god that Bennett goal was terrible on a number of levels.

Sbisa behind the net - Check.
Terrible Change - Check.
Terrible Rebound Control - Check.

and wow as I wrote this sbisa was behind the net again as ferkland scored good job
Had to be Ferland.....
Michael Ferlund Lmao....
ferklund or what's his name...
Connor stirring the pot with Messier
**** off messier
Connor McDavid..
Yeah, I have no idea why they're not using him more often to try and sell fans on the NHL. Guys like Messier are beloved around the league ... shame they're not shown repeatedly on all the broadcasts. That would be so effective.

:bag:
this couldn't get any worse

*mcdavid meets messier commercial comes on*

i stand corrected

Sbisa witch hunt after Monahan and Frolik score
this could be a record breaking season for sbisa

he's been that bad this far against poor competition

Sbisa trying in vain to catch up. Dam, I'm almost looking forward to a goal against where he's not involved.
Benning might need to just admit his mistake and buy him out.
At this point, you can only laugh at the Sbisa situation.
There's the "Pizza by Sbisa" we've been anticipating.

john shorthouse: "here's a turnover by sbisa"

get used to that line, john
For a team that is supposedly being built on grit, this team looks stupid easy to play against. It would be funny to hear the Flames' uncensored thoughts on what it was like to play this group tonight.
Russell blows by the gong show in 3 on 3 OT
why is Doresett on the 3on3, is he attached to Vey's hip? shakemy****inghead
lmao dorsett and vey...

[JurassicTunga12]

Love beating Vancouver.

Nice win!

[getbak]

Preseason or not. No Sedins or not. It's always fun to beat the Nucks.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--cRZYE2u3--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/ycoit3jg58ou74mnaoq5.gif

And cause it's the Canucks and I hates them:

http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/frnxxym1.gif?w=660&h=372

[calgaryblood]

Sbisa is going to be fun to play against for years to come. He is real bad, like Reaaaaalllll bad.

[dino7c]

double ass kickin'

good night

[sureLoss]

3 stars:

1. Ferland
2. Bennett
3. Hamilton

[Igster]

2 wins in one game? Where do I sign? Awesome.

[Samiz]

Let's kick their asses tomorrow as well! Great game

[getbak]

3 stars:

1. Ferland
2. Bennett
3. Hamilton

That can't be right. John Garrett told me that Hunter Shinkaruk was the third best player in the game.

[dieHARDflameZ]

I'd like to hear other people's thoughts, but I felt Sieloff had a great game.

[cannon7]

Giordano-Hamilton is a downright scary pairing. The puck barely left the offensive zone when they were on the ice.

[btimbit]

Crap! Forgot about the 3 on 3 OT, turned the TV off when the buzzer went at the end of the 3rd. How did the OY go

[schooner]

I dont care either way. Was never for or against the shootout. But I saw a couple OTs in Penticton and then again tonight. I dont see any difference. Both are a circus. Every game so far my brother and I bet. We set the over under at 2 mins. If the NHL is looking to avoid the shootout they found the way. I dont think a single game will get past 3 on 3 for 5 minutes.

[getbak]

I like the strategy of starting OT with Monahan-Gio-Hamilton. Most teams will likely be throwing out their firepower to start OT, so the Flames can counter with 2 D, who are also pretty good going the other way.

I wonder if Hartley would have gone back to that line, or if that was just to start?

[PaperBagger'14]

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag415/gmsarich/1B33B32F-D793-4BA5-A958-4633FAF6C57E_zps04kspidd.gif (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/gmsarich/media/1B33B32F-D793-4BA5-A958-4633FAF6C57E_zps04kspidd.gif.html)

[getbak]

Crap! Forgot about the 3 on 3 OT, turned the TV off when the buzzer went at the end of the 3rd. How did the OY go
Monahan almost scored early. Then Russell did score early. He skated through the Nucks like they weren't even there.

It barely lasted a minute and a half.

[dash_pinched]

Gaskal's Around the League Report is my favourite part of the PGT.

/I like the gifs as well.

[Gaudfather]

Let's see the Flames trade Baertschi and with the draft pick take Rasmus Andersson - this trade is going to be recalled fondly for years!

[dash_pinched]

Monahan almost scored early. Then Russell did score early. He skated through the Nucks like they weren't even there.

It barely lasted a minute and a half.

The Canucks have more former Medicine Hat Tigers, but the Flames have the best former Medicine Hat Tiger.

[calumniate]

Kris Russell proving to be a 3 on 3 master early!

[Samiz]

Impressive that on back to back nights, we put out 2 sets of 6 dmen that were fully capable of winning an NHL game. And Brodie wasn't even one of them!

[Five-hole]

That can't be right. John Garrett told me that Hunter Shinkaruk was the third best player in the game.

I can't believe anybody gives one hoot about the 3 stars. It's blatant fan service and this was a combined broadcast.

[bc-chris]

i know it's preseason and means nothing - but beating the canucks is just like christmas morning!

i sit here typing this grinning from ear to ear while wearing a flames jersey!

[activeStick]

Flames looked great out there but the Canucks didn't have their best guys playing. Still good to see that in that situation, the Flames dominated as they should have.

Gaudreau is going to have a big year and Hamilton looks like Pronger out there with his size and skating.

[GranteedEV]

Impressive that on back to back nights, we put out 2 sets of 6 dmen that were fully capable of winning an NHL game. And Brodie wasn't even one of them!

Nor were Culkin, Kylington, and Wotherspoon.

[Dion]

http://i.imgur.com/L7vgl59.jpg

[Gaudfather]

i know it's preseason and means nothing - but beating the canucks is just like christmas morning!

i sit here typing this grinning from ear to ear while wearing a flames jersey!


Especially when you can do it twice in one game!

[Dion]

I love how 3 on 3 opens up the ice for the skilled players. You could clearly see this will be a huge advantage for the Flames.

[IgiTang]

What a fun game!

Gaudreau putting on a bit more weight is showing along the boards and battling for loose pucks.

Ferland, this guy can do it all! Plays a heavy, nasty game, can make some fethery passes, has a cannon for a shot. Love em!

Hamilton and Gio looked sooo good together!

Engalland looked great and fealt good nowing he was there to act as sheriff.

The usual suspects for lack of a better term looked great ( Frolik, Russel, Hudler, Money etc..)

Most surprised by Hathaway's jump and I thought Seiloff plated one hell of a game. He was gritty, made some solid plays in his own end and dumped Dorsett!

Biggest disappointment... Shore.. Here I am advocating for him in the other thread and I thought he played a bit of an ugly game. Terrible pass early in the third from behind the net onto a nucks players stick.. Eating a bit of crow tonight, I guess..

This team is going to be deadly!

[Igster]

I can't believe anybody gives one hoot about the 3 stars. It's blatant fan service and this was a combined broadcast.

Plus, you have to give the Nucks broadcast team credit. There was a lot of focus on the Flames and they talked a LOT about the Flames. No problem with the broadcast here.

[Dogbert]

Let's see the Flames trade Baertschi and with the draft pick take Rasmus Andersson - this trade is going to be recalled fondly for years!

Vancouver had better hope that Baertschi was the reason that line was a garbage fire tonight - at least he isn't signed forever. If it was Sutter holding the other two back? Yikes.

[Dion]

i know it's preseason and means nothing - but beating the canucks is just like christmas morning!

i sit here typing this grinning from ear to ear while wearing a flames jersey!

My golf course hired a new pro who started this September who also happens to be a huge Canucks fan. I walked into the pro shop this morning with my Gaudreau jersey on and he told me to get the hell out!!! :D

[activeStick]

Plus, you have to give the Nucks broadcast team credit. There was a lot of focus on the Flames and they talked a LOT about the Flames. No problem with the broadcast here.


Agreed 100%. John Garrett was very different tonight than he normally is, maybe because it was a national broadcast.

[Dion]

Plus, you have to give the Nucks broadcast team credit. There was a lot of focus on the Flames and they talked a LOT about the Flames. No problem with the broadcast here.

Yeah, I thought their coverage was well balanced. Mind you the Pope jokes were a bit corny.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Many statements I fully agree with

Biggest disappointment... Shore.. Here I am advocating for him in the other thread and I thought he played a bit of an ugly game. Terrible pass early in the third from behind the net onto a nucks players stick.. Eating a bit of crow tonight, I guess..

One last statement I heartily endorse

See and I thought he was pretty solid outside that one brain fart. He was all over the ice causing havok in the right kinds of ways. He was relentless on the forecheck and mostly responsible defensively too.

[chubeyr1]

Really a mean nothing game. Nice to get a win against Vancouver but lets not celebrate like the Oilers do lol.

Hiller had a solid game.

I was really impressed with Ferland. I never thought he had the wheels he has. I was impressed.

Frolik, I am going to like this signing.

Now to stir up some crap around here!

Derek Engelland? The fans punching bag around here lately. It seems whenever a young prospect dman plays with Engelland they have a great game. Seiloff looked the best I have ever seen him play. He wasnt amazing, but was more than solid all night long. Didnt mind the hit on Dorsett either lol.

I really do believe Engelland deserves alot more credit around here.

Monahan had McGrattan, all young dmen have Engelland. Great mentor. Like McGrattan, he will be gone in a year or two, but he is the type of character guy that helps young ones develop and feel safe.

Looking forward to tomorrows game. Team B takes the ice is my guess. Team A for the Nucks. We should lose, would be alot of fun if we won though!

[Itse]

I think I'm going to love Frolik.

[erikk3]

Gaudreau is untouchable

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

[Dion]

Ferland going to the net to screen the goaltender could be huge on the PP. It's been quite awhile since we had someone like that.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

I think I'm going to love Frolik.

https://media.giphy.com/media/JsUPdYm5B2bzW/giphy.gif

[calgaryboy]

Guys any news on Nakladal injury, his status as of now? Found nothing, in pre-game interview Hartley only told media he did not speak with doctors....I still hope he is okay, he came to camp so humble and willing to fight for a spot......

[Dion]

http://i.imgur.com/S6xMl2C.gif

[Dion]

One young fan got @dhamilton27 (https://mobile.twitter.com/dhamilton27)'s stick this evening! pic.twitter.com/bnfFXholYl (http://t.co/bnfFXholYl)
9:00 PM - 25 Sep 2015 (https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/647621727053221888/photo/1#)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPzQh1dUcAAmnpx.jpg:small

Calgary Flames (https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLFlames?p=s)
@NHLFlames (https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLFlames?p=s)"Bob has thrown me in a lot of situations ... I'm just having fun." - Ferland on being used in different roles pic.twitter.com/bggRErDWDJ (http://t.co/bggRErDWDJ)



Calgary Flames (https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLFlames?p=s)
@NHLFlames (https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLFlames?p=s)"We made it hard on their goaltender and defence and that's what we need to do." - Russell

[TBone290]

I literally forgot about the Sedins tonight, it did not come up once that they're still playing.

[Gaskal]

I think I'm going to love Frolik.
http://www.gifwave.com/media/532965_love-series-dexter-morgan-kill-killer.gif

[The Yen Man]

Love Frolik's game. He's like a better Backlund out there.

[Finger Cookin]

Sieloff didn't look out of place on the blueline. For a bottom 6 of bubble players and AHLers, they 3rd and 4th lines looked pretty good. Grant, Shore, Hathaway, and Agostino all caught my eye on occasion with good plays.

[Gaudfather]

That pass by Hudler on Frolik's goal was just sick!

[chubeyr1]

You mean the Sedins have not retired yet? All kidding aside, they are good players, I hate the whining but they are really skilled and pretty tough. Will be a different game in Vancouver.

One poster noted Rasmus Andersons was the player we got for Sven ( draft pick ). I always liked Sven, Still think he has a good chance at an NHL career. Yet Rasmus Anderson has looked great. We may still end up winning that trade, and by alot.

Makes losing a Sven alot easier to swallow. Anderson is three years out from the NHL at best in my mind, yet in the prospects tourney and preseason has looked NHL ready. 3 Years of seasoning in the minors this kid could be a stud.

Sven who?

Commercials with Messier and Connor McDavid? Why? Just why?

[Igster]

Commercials with Messier and Connor McDavid? Why? Just why?

Oilers fans living in the past?

Oilers fans trying to turn McDavid into the new 99?

Oilers being Oilers? You know...no good.

[IgiTang]

See and I thought he was pretty solid outside that one brain fart. He was all over the ice causing havok in the right kinds of ways. He was relentless on the forecheck and mostly responsible defensively too.

Perhaps I was just looking for him and focusing too much on his errors or picking him apart a little too much. I was just left disappointed. But perhaps that was because I was expecting too much..

[Yoho]

Messier still needs money obviously

[Dion]

http://1.cdn.nhle.com/flames/images/upload/gallery/2015/09/PRE_Flames_vs_Canucks_SEPT25_GT0015_slide.jpg

http://2.cdn.nhle.com/flames/images/upload/gallery/2015/09/PRE_Flames_vs_Canucks_SEPT25_GT0022_slide.jpg

http://1.cdn.nhle.com/flames/images/upload/gallery/2015/09/PRE_Flames_vs_Canucks_SEPT25_GT0035_slide.jpg

http://3.cdn.nhle.com/flames/images/upload/gallery/2015/09/PRE_Flames_vs_Canucks_SEPT25_GT0033_slide.jpg

[Da_Chief]

Those Messier-McDavid commercials are just plain stupid. He went to Edmonton not Alberta.

Can you imagine Lanny calling Bennett etc and welcoming them to Alberta? No? I couldn't either cuz it would be stupid.

[flylock shox]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

[Dion]

Ferland an emerging force as Flames top Canucks 4-1
23-year-old finding stride in pre-season skates

Ask around and those that know the 23-year-old, who had a breakout performance for the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is on the cusp of figuring out how to be an impact player in the National Hockey League.

“He’s still young. Every game’s a learning curve, but he’s a kid that comes in and wants to learn,” defenceman Kris Russell (http://flames.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471729) said. “He listens well, works hard in practice, stays late. He’s a kid that’s going to benefit from that and he’s only going to get better.”


Ferland had the game-winner and set up Sean Monahan (http://flames.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8477497)’s insurance marker as the Flames beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 in pre-season action at Scotiabank Saddledome.

“He’s a force out there,” coach Bob Hartley said. “This kid is so strong. He’s such a great skater. What we’re missing with Ferly is he has unbelievable hockey sense. His reads are great. His hands are great. This kid can make plays. You look at the pass he gave [Monahan], then his shot. They’re great NHL plays.”

“[Ferland] does everything pretty well,” Monahan said. “He can skate, he can hit and he’s skilled. He found me there. It was a great play. I enjoy playing with him. He brings something different. Ferly, he wants to make an impact game-in, game-out. Having him there, he did a good job for us.”

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=780598

[JiriHrdina]

I bet Frolik sets career highs this year. He's got more offense to give

[Serapth]

The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

...and this is why the call me the Moose. [snap]

[Titan]

Why is that old man stalking the young man? Creepy.

[Komskies]

I just have a big stupid smile on my face. Can't wait for the season to start!

[Calgary4LIfe]

I always rolled my eyes and took offense when Feaster trotted out: "Ferland can be the next Zach Kassian". Ferland will be so much more. He seems to be just scratching the surface as to what kind of a player he will be. Even I had my doubts that he was top-line material, but he may end up being a great fit on that top line after all. After watching him with Monahan and Gaudreau, is it really that out of the question to say that the Flames have their top-line RW'er? Premature, but no longer 'crazy talk'.

Hamilton really looks good out there. I was expecting very good, but his performance and how he fits on the team really seemed to exceed my expectations.

Frolik and Backlund will just be awesome together. Two guys who skate like the wind and just control the ice so well.

There is just so much to like about this team again.

+ 1 on the Engelland comment earlier - as much as people seem to dislike him, I think he is a valuable part of the team. He is a sheriff out there, but also plays a decent game. I think he helps to settle the Flames down and keeps the opposition honest, and he is just steady back there.

Above all, Sieloff really impressed me today. He actually looked like a legit NHL'er tonight for the most part. I have to say I pretty much wrote him off, but boy did he prove me absolutely wrong. Not bad for a kid who has barely played in the last 2 or 3 years.

Ok, I will stop now. I can keep on going on pretty much every Flame tonight. This team is not only good, but also so fun to watch play. I haven't been this in love with this team since the late 80's.

[flylock shox]

I can't get over the look of the Flames D - and that's without Brodie in the lineup.

At times, when the Flames are in full flight, it looks like they have 5 forwards on the ice.

At other times, mostly on the PP, the 2 D look so in control of the offence that the 3 forwards almost look like extras in a movie.

It's just an embarrassment of riches on the blueline, and with guys like Kulak, Andersson, Kylington, and the still-largely-unseen Hickey coming down the pipe, there's no end in sight to it.

The Flames may have to move to a 3-2 formation just to be able to keep them all. Would a starting 5 of Giordano-Brodie-Hamilton-Monahan-Gaudreau be that bad?

[To Be Quite Honest]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

I need to do something with this.

[AcGold]

I think the coaches may split up the top line. Add more size on each; Ferland or Bouma on the top line, probably Ferland. It should help to protect Bennett, Gaudreau and Monahan.

Our defense is ridiculous, Hamilton just makes it obnoxious. If someone can replace Engelland and be a more consistent contributor as well as play physical we'll go a long ways this year.

[_Q_]

I liked the look of Bennett between Hudler and Frolik. I also liked Ferland on the top line.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Hudler - Bennett - Frolik
Bouma - Backlund - Jooris
Colborne - Stajan - Jones

Looks awesome to me.

[robbie111]

I liked the look of Bennett between Hudler and Frolik. I also liked Ferland on the top line.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Hudler - Bennett - Frolik
Bouma - Backlund - Jooris
Colborne - Stajan - Jones

Looks awesome to me.

Like the looks of that and add Byron and Shore as extras to rotate in and out of the lineup. Bring up Granlund if Backlund or Stajan or Bennett go down and you are pretty much set.

Trade or waive Raymond and Bollig.

[T@T]

Back from the game,

Ferland is fun to watch, just before he set up Sean with a great pass he looked Dorsett right in the eye and said "I'll break your f'n face". We have a serious beast with this guy.

Hamilton and Gio together is like peanut butter and jelly, each one would just knod and one was gone on the rush, just amazing how good that pairing was.

Bennett had some passion in his stride, and Bouma, Sieloff and Shore stuck out as unsung players.

On the other side Swen was trying but nothing was happening, for a kid born in Calgary I didn't even know Shinkaruk was playing until he was sitting in the penalty box right in front of me...he sucks bad.

[stamps]

Those Messier-McDavid commercials are just plain stupid. He went to Edmonton not Alberta.

Can you imagine Lanny calling Bennett etc and welcoming them to Alberta? No? I couldn't either cuz it would be stupid.

Alberta is a big province ... they are trying to associate themselves with the best part of this province , which is not Edmonton , or even close to Edmonton .. they are trying hard to sell themselves as a Calgary , but they are not , its just a perception they are trying to create ....

[CroFlames]

I think Frolik is a better fit on the top line.

[Galakanokis]

A lot of the young guys looked really good to me, a lot to like. Shore, Agostino and Sieloff all could easily see NHL time this year and not look out of place. Glad to see Sieloff step it up, cheering for that kid.

The canucks are going to be abysmal soon. Nothing of significance coming up the pipe. Some decent forwards but nothing to get excited about. I thought they reached on Virtanen in the draft and I still feel that way now. He has skills but needs that hockey IQ to develop.

[atb]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

I can't believe these are real...

[MarkGio]

I felt Ferland was a better player than Hudler on the top line because he helps win board battles. His forechecking also creates panic and therefore turnovers.

Seiloff did everything right except for his lack of getting pucks through traffic. Like Ferland, he has a physical element that the Flames need on the blueline. But he's also got the potential to be more than just a checking defenseman.

Shore belongs in the NHL. His energy is there, so he could be at least a 4th liner. I felt him and his linemates didn't gel on the cycle though.

Some very difficult decisions for the group. I think the Flames have signed Raymond, Smid, Engelland, and Stajan, for 1-2 years too many.

[Igster]

A lot of the young guys looked really good to me, a lot to like. Shore, Agostino and Sieloff all could easily see NHL time this year and not look out of place. Glad to see Sieloff step it up, cheering for that kid.

Hmmm. Maybe it's just me, but I see nothing from him. I don't think he'll ever be in the NHL. Not really impressed with his play at all.

[Fire]

Hmmm. Maybe it's just me, but I see nothing from him. I don't think he'll ever be in the NHL. Not really impressed with his play at all.

I agree, Agostino's play is very underwhelming. Maybe he'll improve with another full season in the AHL, but I would bet he plays less than 100 games in the NHL in his career.

[CgyFlamesftw]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

Absolutely painful to watch. Not even talking out of jealously or hate. Like do they think or review any of this #### before releasing it as a commercial??

[dying4acup]

Hmmm. Maybe it's just me, but I see nothing from him. I don't think he'll ever be in the NHL. Not really impressed with his play at all.

Maybe a bit harsh to judge from tonight, when he wasn't actually in the game until after the line-up card screw up. The kid might have already had a pint in him before he got into the game!

In seriousness, I liked what I saw in NHL game action 2 seasons ago, and from all info, he was more than just SOLID at the AHL level last season.

[FBI]

Help CP! Anyway to watch the game archived? Had to miss it tonight.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Second game of the season for me, and I must say the dome was much more rockin' than the first game. Just came to reiterate some comments already made. You knew when Ferland was on the ice. He just has that extra jump and weight that makes him a force every shift. If he can maintain that over 82 games, what a player!

Sieloff stood out to me in a good way. Kept seeing 51 making an impact and had to know who was behind the number. Grant also made some good plays and almost had himself quite a goal.

Johnny and Monny were their usual selves. Frolik and Hamilton will be looked back on as better contracts than Wideman or even Hudler, calling that right now.

[N-E-B]

Absolutely painful to watch. Not even talking out of jealously or hate. Like do they think or review any of this #### before releasing it as a commercial??

Those better not be on my TV every commercial break this year...

I'd rather see Danny and Mrs. Travis or Trivago Guy... Heck I'd probably take the Scotiabank 5th season "It's more than just hockey Mrs. Woods" girl or "14 kiddo" dad at this point, and that's saying A LOT.

[saillias]

Byron was a pain in the ass for Vancouver. I still shake my head that this 5'7" guy plays mean and throws his weight around in this league. And hasn't played since February and looked in mid-season form. I don't know how you keep him off the roster.

[SHOGUN]

Byron was a pain in the ass for Vancouver. I still shake my head that this 5'7" guy plays mean and throws his weight around in this league. And hasn't played since February and looked in mid-season form. I don't know how you keep him off the roster.

dHNyFWd2Jdw

[Bandwagon In Flames]

dHNyFWd2Jdw

Only Drew Doughty can drop 4 F-bombs in 9 seconds while still being completely coherent.

Love it. Byron definitely slots in as that utility player that can cause havoc against certain line-ups (apparently L.A being one).

[Since1984]

Interesting to see that Hockey.modern isnt blowing up over Sam's game tonight....
will be interesting to see
how many threads he starts moving forward.

[Hatter]

This team is so fun. How on earth did we land Hamilton?

[dammage79]

Boy, Vey looked terrible on the OT goal. Russell just casual half arsing it blows by him. Vey's stick wasn't even pointed in the right direction.

You know, I like the idea of the top two lines like this:

Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland. Gives some meat and potatoes to that line. Ferland has enough skill to succeed in that role for them.

Hudler-Bennett-Frolik To me it strikes a perfect balance of skill, grit, two way play and star power. That has some serious potential to be a lethal top six. All the while protecting Bennett a bit more than usual while giving him the chance to produce at the same time. It really is a line made from left field but the potential there is incredible.

Other than that. Boy oh boy, Gio-Hamilton? Gio-Hamilton! Whhhaaaaaaaatttt! What do you mean Egg-McMuffin only has 290 calories? That could possibly be the best pairing in the league. Bar-none, no arguments could be made. Man they look insanely deadly out there. Then add the fact that 22 year old Dougie Hamilton is learning from the best two way D man in the league today. O.M.G.

Seiloff impressed mightily tonight. Sure, only one game played but he went all WJC Seiloff on Dorsett. That was awesome.

Hiller, steady, veteran goaltending tonight. Exactly what I foresee when I look at how the goaltending shakes down. Hiller with that kind of play while giving Ortio the 20-30 starts he needs.

I don't know how people see Shores game tonight as bad.

[GioforPM]

I was at the game with my kid and his friend. Thoughts:

Great: Hamilton, Ferland, Frolik, Bennett (all new or almost new Flames- yes!!)

Johnny was looking forceful and he and Monahan looked like a great tandem. I think Hartley will keep them together and start to use a different RW on a consistent basis, situationally.

Of the guys trying for a job - Shore was pretty good in his role - more physical than last year. Seiloff had very good moments. Byron was noticeable with his speed. Grant had a couple good plays.

The only Flame I thought was mediocre was Engelland. His strength is supposedly physical and "basic" play. He was physical, but still tended to lose the puck battles behind the net, and he has no breakout play at all. He tries to ring the boards every time, and every time it gets stopped at the blue line.

My first look at Hamilton and Frolik - Hamilton is a presence. My only criticism is that he could be more physical with his size. I was very impressed by Frolik. As advertised he is a strong two way guy, but his offence is way better than I thought.

3 on 3 was kinda fun, but then it was stars vets scrubs.

The Canuck wannabes looked bad. Sven was invisible. I'd say maybe Virtanen stood out, that's it.

[EVERLAST]

Good to hear Byron getting some respect. I'd ice him every time over Raymond.

This sounds like it's going to be a great year.

I hope we stay healthy and that Brodie heals quick . Getting off to a strong start and piLing up some Wins will bode well for us so we easily make thr playoffs.

Yeah, I said it .

[Galakanokis]

Hmmm. Maybe it's just me, but I see nothing from him. I don't think he'll ever be in the NHL. Not really impressed with his play at all.
I saw a kid that was around the puck, made smart reads and was a couple of bounces away from a few points tonight. He made two great passes that were missed by teammates in front of the net and he missed some slap passes for redirects where he had his nose in the right place in front of the net. Admittedly I didn't notice him defensively but in general the Flames were never in much trouble in their own zone.

I'm not saying he should be a full timer this year but I think he should see some NHL action t
In call up duty.

[LIP MAN]

Boy, Vey looked terrible on the OT goal. Russell just casual half arsing it blows by him. Vey's stick wasn't even pointed in the right direction.

You know, I like the idea of the top two lines like this:

Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland. Gives some meat and potatoes to that line. Ferland has enough skill to succeed in that role for them.

Hudler-Bennett-Frolik To me it strikes a perfect balance of skill, grit, two way play and star power. That has some serious potential to be a lethal top six. All the while protecting Bennett a bit more than usual while giving him the chance to produce at the same time. It really is a line made from left field but the potential there is incredible.

Other than that. Boy oh boy, Gio-Hamilton? Gio-Hamilton! Whhhaaaaaaaatttt! What do you mean Egg-McMuffin only has 290 calories? That could possibly be the best pairing in the league. Bar-none, no arguments could be made. Man they look insanely deadly out there. Then add the fact that 22 year old Dougie Hamilton is learning from the best two way D man in the league today. O.M.G.

Seiloff impressed mightily tonight. Sure, only one game played but he went all WJC Seiloff on Dorsett. That was awesome.

Hiller, steady, veteran goaltending tonight. Exactly what I foresee when I look at how the goaltending shakes down. Hiller with that kind of play while giving Ortio the 20-30 starts he needs.

I don't know how people see Shores game tonight as bad.

Agree on all counts, thought Shore played well, although I'd like to see him out there in more scrums. Sieloff looked amazing out there, really solid play. We're suddenly deep at the position, wow! Hammerdano looks like a great combo. Will be nice to see our team against stiffer competition next week.

[BigFlameDog]

IMO the only way you can think Engellend played bad is because of the Flame comparables.....he was more than fine tonight.

Also thought Sieloff played very good and I was watching him a lot (because for the first period I thought he was wotherspoon lol)

[GioforPM]

IMO the only way you can think Engellend played bad is because of the Flame comparables.....he was more than fine tonight.

Also thought Sieloff played very good and I was watching him a lot (because for the first period I thought he was wotherspoon lol)

Well, if you are the weakest of the d-men on the night, yeah, you are going to be criticized. Especially when you are paired with a prospect who outplays you.

You are right - he wasn't bad per se. He just continues to do the things that drive me nuts, especially that easily intercepted clearing attempt along the boards he does every time.

I just think he's been outplayed by almost every other defenceman in the preseason.

[GioforPM]

Some nice salt on Canucks HF board, and you can see the Sven debate starting. Like "sure he was invisible but he needs to play with better guys - put him with Horvat". Last night he only played with their big off season acquisition, Sutter.

[Rick M.]

There were concerns about Gio's shot expressed before last night's game. Did the game answer any of these concerns (i.e., was his shot as strong as we remember from last season)?

[Mony]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

The funniest part about the second one is that Connor sounds so disinterested, LOL.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

The funniest part about the second one is that Connor sounds so disinterested, LOL.
So does Connor do whatever they ask just because he's polite and a rookie? Or do they pay him gobs of cash to do things like this and the Katz marriage proposal? At some point you think self respect and embarassment would kick in and he would just refuse.

[YYC in LAX]

Is the OT goal available to watch online somewhere? It's not a highlight option on NHL.com

[D as in David]

There were concerns about Gio's shot expressed before last night's game. Did the game answer any of these concerns (i.e., was his shot as strong as we remember from last season)?

I think that was answered on the shift where he took multiple slap shots on net followed by the camera showing him on the bench with a sheepish grin.

Looked pretty good to me!

[mrdonkey]

So does Connor do whatever they ask just because he's polite and a rookie? Or do they pay him gobs of cash to do things like this and the Katz marriage proposal? At some point you think self respect and embarassment would kick in and he would just refuse.


If things like self respect and avoiding embarrassment were important to him he wouldn't be playing for the Oilers.

[getbak]

Is the OT goal available to watch online somewhere? It's not a highlight option on NHL.com

There doesn't appear to be an individual clip of it, but it's in the game highlights package...

837309

[Da_Chief]

So does Connor do whatever they ask just because he's polite and a rookie? Or do they pay him gobs of cash to do things like this and the Katz marriage proposal? At some point you think self respect and embarassment would kick in and he would just refuse.

Who says he hasn't already? I like Connor, seems like guy. Too bad he has to play for the Oilers. I wouldn't be surprised at all these ridiculous ideas that get throw at him everyday and he just has to choose the least embarrassing one.

Imagine Ryan Smyth passing him the torch as the next Captain Canada? Katz jr asking him to grow out his hair like him? Kevin Lowe telling him one day he'll be the president of the Oilers, Gretzky asking him how he would he feel if they made a statue of him? This is probably all happening and he's going FML.

[topfiverecords]

Just in case you were curious:

B0aGRL-Xn2I


And if that wasn't inspiring and anticlimactic enough for you:

np4jxGVBCG4


The best part is at 0:13 when Mess sends Connor a dick pic.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3QvAgvBGp60/UyhUPBqaO8I/AAAAAAAAFu4/3ssdN_sxP-4/s1600/ferrell+puke.gif

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Sorry, late to the party since the game was rebroadcast here at 1:00 AM. Had to record it and watch this morning. This is my first full game viewing since the playoffs, so bear with me.

I know it was the Canucks "B" lineup, but here are some thoughts:

Bubble players:

First of all, how did Riley get in the game? I guess that’s one way of forcing yourself into the lineup. I found that whole situation pretty funny.

Hathaway struggled with his positioning, especially on the PK. However, he has hustle on the level of Jooris that could help him get to the NHL if he improves his game a little.

Grant looked like an AHLer. A gamer, but still an AHLer.

Sieloff still looks a little awkward out there at times, but still played his brand of game pretty well. It’s good to see that he still has NHL potential as a 3rd pairing physical defender.

Byron looked a little rusty, but got better as the game went along. I still love his speed.

Shore had some nice shifts, but wasn’t exactly exceptional. Still, I like him as one of the extra forwards simply because of his size, position that he plays, being a right-shot, and his experience.

Agostino was largely unnoticeable tonight and was a little weak physically. He needed to have a stronger game to have a chance at the opening night roster. However, I still think he’ll be one of the regular callups this year.

Ferland looks like he’s anticipating the play better, and no longer is wasting energy skating to areas he doesn’t need to be in. Hands look better, his passes are sharp, and his speed is really good. He also looked really good on the PP. This is only going to make him more effective, and I think you’ll see him develop into a 2nd line power winger this year alongside Bennett…or maybe on the RW with Gaudreau and Monahan? Might be an even better fit.

Veterans:

All look like they’re in regular season mode already

Giordano looks just fine, and he really seemed sharp tonight

Dougie Hamilton is a very cerebral player. Knows where to be and how the play is going to develop before it even happens. He already has great chemistry with Giordano. Can’t wait to see him for a full season.

Engelland looked really engaged, especially physically

Russell and Wideman look like Russell and Wideman of late last year, which is a great sign.

Gaudreau looks so much better, mostly because he is staying on his skates so much more. His starts and stops are much crisper and he can react to a quick change in puck direction much faster. He also doesn’t crumple every time he gets hit. He’s going to have an absolutely monster season.

Monahan looks ready to start the season…so does Hudler. Can’t wait for those three to play together for a full year.

Bennett is still fighting the puck offensively, but he’s so strong everywhere else on the ice that he’ll be just fine to start the year. I imagine it will be a little like Gaudreau last year, where he doesn’t put up a lot of points in the first 15-20, and then he’ll take off.

I didn’t find Frolik to be particularly exceptional most of the night, but he has great instincts on the ice, and his goal was a direct result of that. Looking forward to seeing him more.

Bouma looked a half step behind tonight, but perhaps that was because he was playing with Grant and Hathaway as linemates. Hopefully some more ice time will get him on track. I hope he doesn’t take his spot in the lineup for granted just because he got a new contract.

Hiller looked pretty solid. I’m not a huge fan of his style of play, but it’s effective most nights. I still have no idea who the odd man out is going to be.

As for the Canucks:

Virtanen can absolutely shoot the puck. If he gets chemistry with a setup man in the NHL he could have a very long career as a sniper.

Shinkaruk is talented, but he’s a more individualistic player than Eberle and Hall combined. He’ll never realize his potential unless he uses his teammates more.

I still like Brandon Prust, even though he plays for the enemy. I respect the type of game he plays.

Baertschi is still the weakest player on the ice for either team.

Sbisa is really, really bad. They’re talking about him being in their top 4. I guess that’s good news for us.

Dorsett is still a piece of ####

[dustygoon]

How was Baertschi?

[Igster]

Maybe a bit harsh to judge from tonight, when he wasn't actually in the game until after the line-up card screw up. The kid might have already had a pint in him before he got into the game!

In seriousness, I liked what I saw in NHL game action 2 seasons ago, and from all info, he was more than just SOLID at the AHL level last season.

My post wasn't based on just one performance. I just don't think he'll ever be a full time NHLer. He might get a callup or two, but I think there are better options. Personally think he's a bust. A lot of other good options though, unlike years past for the Flames.

[getbak]

How was Baertschi?
A wise man once said...

That I don’t know. That I don’t know. I’m not sure. … All I’ve seen so far is flashes of brilliance. Flashes of brilliance are fine if you’re working in the university, but they’re not much good to people in an NHL building.

There are three zones in the ice surfaces in this league. I don’t see that he’s learned to play and compete in two of them. He’s got to learn there’s a clock in this league and there’s so many minutes in the game and that you’ve got to compete through all of it. I see this is a guy who’s focusing on one area and even then, sporadically.

[868904]

A wise man once said...

That I don’t know. That I don’t know. I’m not sure. … All I’ve seen so far is flashes of brilliance. Flashes of brilliance are fine if you’re working in the university, but they’re not much good to people in an NHL building.

There are three zones in the ice surfaces in this league. I don’t see that he’s learned to play and compete in two of them. He’s got to learn there’s a clock in this league and there’s so many minutes in the game and that you’ve got to compete through all of it. I see this is a guy who’s focusing on one area and even then, sporadically.
That's harsh, how can you say something like that about someone, won't you think of Sven's feelings?

[Bandwagon In Flames]

What's even more hilarious is that Canucks fans were penciling Baertschi into their top-6 because of his 'stellar' AHL playoff performance last season. I'm sure he'll put up some more great AHL performances in the future.

[hockey.modern]

Interesting to see that Hockey.modern isnt blowing up over Sam's game tonight....
will be interesting to see
how many threads he starts moving forward.


Hey I thought he was one one of the better forwards out there.