Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
I agree on Lucic. I wondered above if Rinaldo’s little display in the previous game, combined with Parros being there, made the Flames sit him. He’d probably have done something suspension worthy. But it wasn’t a game to throw Dube into, IMO. He’s game, but still a kid.
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I don't see why it would be an issue. I mean, Kassian went in the media for over a week stating how he is going to pound Tkachuk and seek retribution. They even fought that next game, and there were no consequences. Rinaldo also played the rest of the game (over a period), and he didn't do anything crazy, nor did he say anything crazy in the media. I wouldn't think that Ward was scared to play Rinaldo.
I think it had a lot more to do with wanting Dube back in the line-up, and Ward thinking that the 'Battle of Alberta' wouldn't be so much a battle after the Kassian-Tkachuk fight happened and was done with. Having last change also probably made Ward feel more comfortable in not having to dress Rinaldo.
I thought it was a mistake to not dress him. I think in hindsight, it was a mistake. Rinaldo may or may not have fought, but he is a difficult player to play against.
As for Lucic - I am not mad because he didn't grab a player and start pummelling him. I thought what Kassian did was extremely selfish and incredibly 'cheap'. I don't want a player that does that on this team.
What I am upset about when it comes to Lucic was that he played easy on them. When the game was out of hand, it seemed he wasn't interested in playing hard any longer, or sending any messages, or making life uncomfortable for the Oilers. I expected him to stir #### up in the crease after whistles. Some pushing/shoving, facewashes. Challenge players and let them know he wants to fight. Make life uncomfortable for Koskinen (at least at that point when the game was essentially over and Smith was already ejected).
Lucic did none of those things near the end. To his credit, he did get a bit rough a few times during the game. It wasn't like he didn't do anything. He did do 'something' at some points, but not nearly enough. He is the 'nuclear bomb' deterrent on the Flames. I don't want him to horse-collar someone and ragdoll them, as much as I fricken hate the Oilers. I do, however, want him to be nasty. Muck it up. Make the Oilers - especially guys like Nurse, Kassian and Khaira - actually fear you. Get under their skin. Force the Oilers to react to him.
He just didn't try. Didn't bother. Didn't show that emotion in what should be the most emotional game of the year given the recent history and the unflattering and embarrassing score. He had a chance to salvage SOME pride for the team and set the tone for the next one, even though it is in April. He just chose not to do any of those things, and it didn't feel right to see, especially when others DID do those things on his team.