[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by New Era

I think Jagr is here for the year. No way he steps away after 10 games, not when he is so close to the game played record. I think that is wishful thinking on someone's part. What I could see is Jagr getting spot duty, and someone else in the lineup taking it in the pants as a result. I think the Flames want Jankowski in the lineup, but hope Jagr can have a positive influence on guys like Bennett, Ferland, Tkachuk, and the aforementioned Jankowski. Someone else may lose their spot and Jankowski gets recalled, getting double duty on the 4th line, and stepping in for Jagr when he has to miss a shift.

My comments on last nights game, intensity is still a challenge. Flames came out like gang busters and completely owned the first. Then they took the foot off the peddle and let the Kings slowly take over. I hate seeing that stuff. That's where the coach needs to kick some butts and keep them focused. One guy that I still am not happy with in the lineup is TJ Brodie. I know this won't be popular, but he gets beat wide way too often, and he's soft as a kitten's coat. Love him when he gets the puck an wheels, but the rest of his game is well below average. He need to pick up his game or I wouldn't be disappointed to see him moved in a larger package for a RW and a 2nd pair defender than can provide a little more muscle. You can't rely on Mike Smith to bail this team out they way he has to open the season. Bennett also needs to get his beard out of his ass and start showing why he was drafted 4th overall. The Flames need him to step up. That, or they have to focus on getting Backlund extended. Bennett drives that decision.

I agree that Bennett needs to start showing up on the scoreboard but I don't see what that has to do with Backlund. Backlund is the Flames' best 2-way forward. Flames should be looking to extend him regardless.