[868904]

Guys on the morning show are talking about Gaudreau's struggles and the need for a better RW.

I think they should ride this Ritchie experiment a bit longer. That line is actually getting entries and possession now even when Gaudreau is struggling. Before, when Gaudreau was struggling, that line wasn't even getting entries.

Ritchie is getting possession on the dumps right now because teams are still defending a Gaudreau entry. Once the opposition starts realizing that the dump is a strong option for that line, they'll start giving Gaudreau more room for the entry.

I think Ritchie is a very good option for that line.

1) Ritchie can recover on the dumps;
2) He controls the boards;
3) He has offensive instincts;
4) He can protect those two.

Boomer suggested Mike Hoffman and I think that's a terrible idea. Flames don't need a one dimensional guy like that. Ideally, you have a guy with Ritchie's size and toughness but also speed and skill. Ferland was that and found success, but lacked consistency. If they can find someone like that, then you go for it, but otherwise, I think you keep Ritchie there.