Still too early, but I am really starting to feel comfortable with Nakladal, Wotherspoon and Jokipakka as bottom-pairing defencemen, and especially in Nakladal's case - perhaps even in the top 4. Still early.. but they have all been fairly reliable. Really like Nakladal's aggression out there - both in how he fights for the puck, hits, and seem to relish the offensive side of things as well (and not just in this game, but from his entire time up on the Flames). They all have their warts at the moment, but there is a lot to like out each of them. I can not see the Flames not re-signing Nakladal (as long as the contract demands are in line, of course).
Good job by the Flames to hang in with the Bruins on a back-to-back. Good job by Ortio tonight - I thought he did enough at least as a backup - didn't 'steal' the game, but without question he kept the Flames in it and gave them a chance to win. I have noticed him being much more composed in net, which is a good sign.
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