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Deegee · 11-23-2018, 01:54 AM

I don't know if I like to grade individual players much, but I get that it's an interesting topic starter so people do it. What I really like at the quarter point is I find myself trying to watch games and going out of my way to do so. This is not because they are winning games. This is not because I have nothing else to do. My son plays hockey and I volunteer with a Junior B team, I'm busy. I find myself getting excited on Flames game days because the team is just fun to watch.

In addition to great individual efforts (love watching Tkachuk and Bennett drive other teams bonkers), I love how this team plays. For me, it was never about getting wins, but more about playing an entertaining brand of hockey.

I am really happy about Peters bench management. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't big on how the club managed Smith, but I get it's hard to go through the transition of a starter losing their way when your backup is unknown carrying the load. Overall it's been good, though. I love that Peters isn't afraid of putting people on the bench if they aren't working hard enough or are having an off night. I also like the blender Peters will use when chemistry seems to be off for a night. Frankly, it is that Peters isn't afraid to try a different shape when the square piece isn't fitting in the circle hole.

Getting back to the style this team plays, they seem to have some swagger, but they also work their butts off. For the most part, they have outworked teams they play night in and night out, and that bodes well moving forward. I also personally identify with a hard work ethic. Then you add in the shenanigans of Tkachuk and Bennett that seem to get under opposing teams skins and it's hard not to have fun watching this group if you're a fan. It's even rubbing off on other players, like Backlund. Watch the after whistle scrums and you'll notice the team is quick to converge on anyone trying to start anything, which is normally a sign of a strong bond between team mates. You can tell they are feeding off of each other and have that wolf pack mentality which I feel is so important for a team to be successful. It started early with Hamonic in the season opener, even though he lost that battle, I feel it really set the tone for this team. The fore check seems to be less passive than under GG, too.

I am pleasantly surprised with how Bennett's game has been this year. I was one in the camp of trading him before it got worse in the off season. I am so happy with what he is becoming as a fan. I was also very upset at the Peters hire as his track record didn't excite me at all. Ticked pink that so far I was wrong on both fronts.

I am so surprised that a head coaching change has had such a positive impact on returning players. Such a fun time to be a Flames fan.

11-23-2018, 01:54 AM	#11
Deegee First Line Centre Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Edmonton, AB Exp:	I don't know if I like to grade individual players much, but I get that it's an interesting topic starter so people do it. What I really like at the quarter point is I find myself trying to watch games and going out of my way to do so. This is not because they are winning games. This is not because I have nothing else to do. My son plays hockey and I volunteer with a Junior B team, I'm busy. I find myself getting excited on Flames game days because the team is just fun to watch. In addition to great individual efforts (love watching Tkachuk and Bennett drive other teams bonkers), I love how this team plays. For me, it was never about getting wins, but more about playing an entertaining brand of hockey. I am really happy about Peters bench management. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't big on how the club managed Smith, but I get it's hard to go through the transition of a starter losing their way when your backup is unknown carrying the load. Overall it's been good, though. I love that Peters isn't afraid of putting people on the bench if they aren't working hard enough or are having an off night. I also like the blender Peters will use when chemistry seems to be off for a night. Frankly, it is that Peters isn't afraid to try a different shape when the square piece isn't fitting in the circle hole. Getting back to the style this team plays, they seem to have some swagger, but they also work their butts off. For the most part, they have outworked teams they play night in and night out, and that bodes well moving forward. I also personally identify with a hard work ethic. Then you add in the shenanigans of Tkachuk and Bennett that seem to get under opposing teams skins and it's hard not to have fun watching this group if you're a fan. It's even rubbing off on other players, like Backlund. Watch the after whistle scrums and you'll notice the team is quick to converge on anyone trying to start anything, which is normally a sign of a strong bond between team mates. You can tell they are feeding off of each other and have that wolf pack mentality which I feel is so important for a team to be successful. It started early with Hamonic in the season opener, even though he lost that battle, I feel it really set the tone for this team. The fore check seems to be less passive than under GG, too. I am pleasantly surprised with how Bennett's game has been this year. I was one in the camp of trading him before it got worse in the off season. I am so happy with what he is becoming as a fan. I was also very upset at the Peters hire as his track record didn't excite me at all. Ticked pink that so far I was wrong on both fronts. I am so surprised that a head coaching change has had such a positive impact on returning players. Such a fun time to be a Flames fan.