[djsFlames]

I would consider being on the roster past the 9 game mark as "making the team".

My main hope for this season is that one of Poirier, Monahan, Granlund, Ferland, and Jooris (yes, I did) can prove to be good enough to actually make the team. Knight could also make it, but I don't think he'd bring much more to the role than someone like Horak could, anyways. His one gleaming attribute that could set him apart would be his proficiency in the dot.

Horak and Sven impressed me a lot yesterday and somewhat renewed my confidence in them as dependable players in big game situations. (No it wasn't Sven's best game, but he was very integral to the comeback and stepped up when the game was on the line).

Berra is absolutely the frontrunner for the starter spot as of right now. He had the best numbers of all the goalies in the exhibitions, was clutch in the shootout, as well has been steady in the scrimmages so far. That perspective could all change come monday/tuesday. But I'm hoping this is a trend for him. He was extremely consistent when he backstopped the Swiss team this spring. Hopefully he brings the same here. He himself has said that he likes the smaller ice and has always thought he plays better on these rinks.

Ramo looks like a fish out of water over here. Super scrambly last night. I'll give him that he hasn't had much support at times, but at the same time he hasn't impressed or instilled much confidence in anyone who has watched him. But who's to say he doesn't start to settle his nerves and come into his own over the course of camp? Can't cross any guy out this early.

MacDonald has looked average. Just reminiscent of last season. He managed to steal a few games for us in his first stint, and at times I was impressed. Though at his age (coming on 34?) I doubt he'll be able to up his game much for us with an increased role. Will be best suited as backup.

Ortio has looked very sharp at times, then he'll gaffe on some routine type stop. If he can trim down on the odd soft goals then he'll be at the top of the heap.

My tender rank as of today:

Berra
Ortio
MacDonald
Brossoit
Ramo

Karri needs to turn it around in his next game. If we don't start to see some NHL qualities in him within a week or two, I sure hope that management isn't too afraid to put the deserving goalies in their rightful positions.

Looking for bigger things from Monahan in Mon/Tues games. Now that his first taste of NHL exhibition has passed (there were most definitely some nerves), I think he will deliver.

Bouma will give Ferland a tough go for a 4th line spot. Was pretty decent last night. Happy to see him back in action again.

Poirier is just destroying expectations right now. He wasn't even a factor in my mind at the start of all this. Excited to see if he can maintain this through the remainder of camp. I see 5-9 NHL games on his horizon.

Last note.. I really, really want to see Granlund in an increased role and with better line mates. Surround him with guys that can get him the puck and I think he'll start to impress.