[thefoss1957]

I have been lurking, here at CP, but, haven't been able to comment much in game threads, due to work schedule (darn work!) forcing me to watch games on DVR the next day.

I am a little surprised at the doom and gloom of the Pre game thread, 'Hawks haven't been scoring much, lately, and are in the middle of a long road trip, with, likely, a career AHL goaltender to start the game, tonight.

A little scouting on my guys...

First Line: Saad, Toews, revolving RW, (Betting on Hartman, tonight.)

These guys, especially Saad, started hot, but have been ice cold, offensively. All the advanced stats say that Saad/Toews should be ruling, but, they can't seem to find any finish.

Second line: Schmaltz/Kane/ and probably Debrincat, as Anisimov heads to IR.

Schmaltz/Kane have been electric in the O zone, but, without AA will be a huge liability if the Flames' forecheck can hem them in the D zone. Not for lack of effort on D, it is just not a strength, as size/physicality lacks, especially if Debrincat is the LW. I expect Schmaltz to slide from LW to C, but he is awful in the dot.

Third line: This one is hard to predict, as Q mixes and blends the top 6 to cover AA's injury...Probably Panik/Kampf (rookie)/Sharp. If hitting iron was the same as scoring goals, Sharp and Panik would be leading the league in goals, but, as the old blues' song goes: "if it weren't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all." Kampf has played the prior 2 games, and seems typical for the 'Hawks lower 6 forward prospects, ok size, defensively responsible, just not very exciting. He has been ok on faceoffs, which is big, as, for most of the year, only Toews has been able to win draws. As an aside, the feeling among many 'Hawk fans, is that Sharp has not much left, and, based on some careless tweets (by Hartman), Panik isn't as well liked as some of the Rockford call ups. For most of the year, the 3rd line has been useless.

Fourth line: (this one is the only sure lock, to start) Hayden/Wingels/Bouma. Easily the 'Hawks most consistent line. Ferocious forecheckers, they are able to score enough to have an impact. Look for these guys after every goal scored, and after every PP to keep positive pressure/momentum.

Defense:

Keith/Oesterle. Heavy minutes seem to be wearing on Keith, he has been playing softly, and hasn't had as much impact, offensively. Oesterle has played himself out of Q's rookie purgatory. He moves well and has a good shot, he is still adjusting to the speed/strength.positioning of NHL forwards in front of the 'Hawk goal.

Kempny/Forsling (perhaps Rutta for Kempny, if Rutta is healty again). Best defensive pair in any of the combos. Forsling has a little offensive skill. Kempny is still learning when to pinch and when to retreat.

Seabrook/Murphy. Murphy has been settling in after a rough start to the 'Hawk system. Seabrook looks ancient, and is beaten wide, regularly. He is, however, the only 'Hawk D man that can clear the crease, and has saved a couple goals off the goal line this year. Offensively, Seabs, and the whole Hawk D, have underperformed.

Goaltenders: Glass gets his 2nd NHL start in his home town...a 32yo rookie, he didn't seem to cover the posts all that well, late in the game vs. the grease.

Forsberg has had great numbers when he has played, but has had NO goal support.

Will be able to watch, live, tonight, but, will NOT know how sober I will remain, as it IS New Year's Eve!

Good luck to my Flames' fan friends and HAPPY NEW YEAR, no matter who your coach is or will be!