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FlameZilla · 04-13-2013, 07:55 AM

Youngsters watch:

Mikael Backlund: 25GP 6G 7A 13P -6+/-

Season grade so far: A-

This season has been one we've been waiting for with Backs, and at 24 years old it is about time. Pro-rated over 82 games backs would have 20 goals and 43 points. Definitely a season to build on. Projects to be a good 2nd line centre but concerns about his durability remain.

T.J. Brodie: 39GP 1G 8A -11+/-

Season grade so far: A-

Brodie has a commanding presence in the transitional game. Speed on the break & a good eye for the break-out pass make Brodie a good candidate to eat up most of Bouwmeester's minutes next year and he seems to be ready for the challenge. Could still be some growing pains to come but he should fill a spot on the second D pairing & 1st power play units next season.

Roman Horak: 12GP 1G 3A -4+/-

Grade: NA (too few games played)

Horak plays a strong 2-way game with poise beyond his years. Easy to forget he's only 21. Plays a lot bigger than he looks. Very responsible and aware in his own zone and good backchecking. I'm always surprised by his playmaking skills when playing with good linemates and his strong forechecking skills make sure he's often the first player to get to pucks in the offensive zone. Should have been up with the big club all season in my opinion. Next season he sticks with the Flames, either centering the 3rd line or playing on the wing.

Sven Baertschi: 13GP 0G 1A -5+/-

Grade: NA

It's fair to say it has been a disappointing season in the NHL for Sven. After tearing up the AHL during the lockout Sven failed to translate his success on the stats line to the NHL. A logjam at LW on the Flames hasn't helped him by limiting his icetime and the quality of his linemates. In recent games he has looked very good with impressive passing and vision in the offensive zone. I would say he's been snakebitten this season, with many of the great opportunities he's created being spooned by his linemates. He's been robbed on many occasions by highlight reel saves. With Tanguay injured we should see a lot more icetime and hopefully some offensive production. Chin up Sven...

Max Reinhart

Last night against the Coyotes Reinhart played his best game so far in only his 4th game as a Flame. All over the ice in all zones. Two big chances to break his duck & get that first goal but Mike robbed him both times. All in all it's been a nice cup of coffee for Max. Depending on who is still around after the draft Max could be ready for full time action next season, but it wouldn't hurt to let him play in AHL for more experience.

Hopefully in the last few games we'll get a chance to see Cundari & Hanowski. Kulak might get a look. Aliu should play like a pinball against the Oilers but I don't think we'll see him next season. Nemisz & Irving might be finished as Flames.

04-13-2013, 07:55 AM	#81
FlameZilla First Line Centre Join Date: Dec 2005 Exp:	Youngsters watch: Mikael Backlund: 25GP 6G 7A 13P -6+/- Season grade so far: A- This season has been one we've been waiting for with Backs, and at 24 years old it is about time. Pro-rated over 82 games backs would have 20 goals and 43 points. Definitely a season to build on. Projects to be a good 2nd line centre but concerns about his durability remain. T.J. Brodie: 39GP 1G 8A -11+/- Season grade so far: A- Brodie has a commanding presence in the transitional game. Speed on the break & a good eye for the break-out pass make Brodie a good candidate to eat up most of Bouwmeester's minutes next year and he seems to be ready for the challenge. Could still be some growing pains to come but he should fill a spot on the second D pairing & 1st power play units next season. Roman Horak: 12GP 1G 3A -4+/- Grade: NA (too few games played) Horak plays a strong 2-way game with poise beyond his years. Easy to forget he's only 21. Plays a lot bigger than he looks. Very responsible and aware in his own zone and good backchecking. I'm always surprised by his playmaking skills when playing with good linemates and his strong forechecking skills make sure he's often the first player to get to pucks in the offensive zone. Should have been up with the big club all season in my opinion. Next season he sticks with the Flames, either centering the 3rd line or playing on the wing. Sven Baertschi: 13GP 0G 1A -5+/- Grade: NA It's fair to say it has been a disappointing season in the NHL for Sven. After tearing up the AHL during the lockout Sven failed to translate his success on the stats line to the NHL. A logjam at LW on the Flames hasn't helped him by limiting his icetime and the quality of his linemates. In recent games he has looked very good with impressive passing and vision in the offensive zone. I would say he's been snakebitten this season, with many of the great opportunities he's created being spooned by his linemates. He's been robbed on many occasions by highlight reel saves. With Tanguay injured we should see a lot more icetime and hopefully some offensive production. Chin up Sven... Max Reinhart Last night against the Coyotes Reinhart played his best game so far in only his 4th game as a Flame. All over the ice in all zones. Two big chances to break his duck & get that first goal but Mike robbed him both times. All in all it's been a nice cup of coffee for Max. Depending on who is still around after the draft Max could be ready for full time action next season, but it wouldn't hurt to let him play in AHL for more experience. Hopefully in the last few games we'll get a chance to see Cundari & Hanowski. Kulak might get a look. Aliu should play like a pinball against the Oilers but I don't think we'll see him next season. Nemisz & Irving might be finished as Flames.