[GioforPM]

So much right here:

Originally Posted by CroFlames

CroFlames 31 thoughts:

• The top line looks like a top line with Jagr on the wing. He's actually not as slow as some supposed (this guy included). There was one play where he hustled his ass to the net on a two on one and I couldn't believe his speed. He was not passed the puck, but boy that was nice to see.
• Usual Jagr stuff along the boards. He's great at protecting the puck and was unlucky not to score at least one. Great chemistry among the two lads and the grandpa on the first line. Johnny was great at zone entry and holding the puck, Monahan's positioning was great, but could improve his FO percentage slightly. Great scoring touch as usual.
• Backlund's line was good. There were creating chances, but hard to gain any momentum or flow when the play is constantly being chopped up by penalty kills. Tkachuk pissing players off when not hitting the scoresheet, what a beauty. Backlund was easily the best forward out there.
• PKers were good too (they've had lots of practice, ha!)
• Discipline is a disaster. Not much else to add. Some questionable calls this season, but that is nothing new since the dawn of time. Call against were all penalties (Bennett's was the weakest call). But they got no calls their way, and there were infractions by the Canes
• Smith outstanding again.
• Bennett not as bad as many are making him out to be. Disappointing he hasn't 'broken out' yet though. Even great players go through a month or two where nothing goes right because of expectations. He's feeling the pressure and likely trying to do too much. Hopefully he can calm down and play the way he can. I thought he was the best player on that line. He was carrying the puck up and finding no one available.
• When a player is struggling like Bennett is, I think its a great idea to move him to the wing to gain some confidence.Yup, if for nothing else than to get him some different looks, and not having to carry the puck into the zone.
• Perfect opportunity to call up Janko. Why not ice your best roster?
• I hate the 4th line. Overpaid and isn't good at any one facet of the game. If you are going to be an energy line, then give me Lazar and Hathaway all day long. Brouwer and Stajan have become replaceable, bloated contracts. The only issue with removing Brouwer and Stajan is the PK. I thought Glass was a problem on that line. They actually had some chances but Gl;ass was the guy who lost the puck at the end
• The top 4 D are playing well. I can't quite put my finger on why so many chances are given up though. Overall team defense, and forwards missing assignments? Hard to say. Gio has been a beast since Game 2, Brodie, Hamilton and Hamonic very solid. I've probably been so concerned about scoring goals the past few games I haven't paid attention to the specific breakdowns in our end.Brodie had a bunch of soft giveaways. Other than that, I think the gap for zone exits is too big, which is a forward issue. Pucks were having to be passed to near the blue line, and the Canes were playing tight there.
• Bottom pair is a bottom pair. Wouldn't mind giving Kulak a crack at it and let Bart watch a few games. Can't wait till Rasmus is ready, I think that kid is showtime.
• Credit where it's due. Carolina played a great road game. Skated their asses off and forechecked aggressively. Wore the Flames down and clogged them up.
• With all the parity in the league, sometimes you just need some plain ol good luck to win games. Flames were unlucky at times this game. There were three open nets where the puck just didn't bounce right. Jagr, Frolik and Monahan

Just kidding, it's not 31 thoughts.