[Oling_Roachinen]

Small sample size, but not hugely impressed by Reinhart tonight. If it came down to that game his spot, at least if it was on wing, would go to Ferland or Bouma easily. It's not though and wouldn't be the worst case scenario to give Ferland some time in the AHL. The other young players like Horak and Knight seemed to have NHL caliber games. Will be interesting as there's just not enough spots to go around.

Overall got to be pretty happy with the team effort considering that Cammalleri, Hudler and Jones were left off and have a combined salary of roughly the entire forward lineup tonight.

I thought Backlund had a strong game and looked like a season vet carrying two rookies. Considering he's only 24 that's encouraging.

Monahan looks NHL ready. Not saying he would be a star player or even fight for the Calder but he would not be out of place and I feel would at least quietly have a good season. I think the question should be what's better for his development now, playing on a bad team and (hopefully) dominating his competition against boys or playing on a bad team and learning against men. And Monahan was 188 pounds at the Combine, he's listed as 185 on the Flames' website, yet he's being reported to have passed the 200 mark (and I can believe it). That's dedication gaining 15 pounds in the off-season, and rewarding him with a spot he's earned is worth the burning of a year on his ELC in my book. Send a message to the rest of the organization and future draft picks, "If you come into camp in the best condition of your life after working all off-season you can fight and earn your spot on the team."