[News Roundup] Hudler taking leadership role, Backlund bruised, Shot blocking, crediting the flood..

[transplant99]

And some other stuff.

“Totally different guy,” Hartley said. “We can talk about all the new additions and everything, but him and (Dennis Wideman) are definitely two of our leaders and two guys that, starting from day one of training camp, they were totally different players for us.

“I think he’s our offensive motor,” Hartley added about Hudler. “His vision and his experience, obviously, serves this young team very well. He’s a fun guy to work with. He’s obviously a big contributor on the ice, and he takes care of the kids after practices, in the room and things. He’s bringing good leadership on top of great hockey.”

Watching over the kids includes having prized Flames rookie Sean Monahan living at his home.

“He eats a lot — that’s for sure,” Hudler quipped. “I liked him since I met him in training camp. He’s a good guy. He’s an honest person and fun to be around, too. He’s funny, and he makes me laugh. I’m glad that he’s on the team.

http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/10/12...er-of-the-pack

“Just minor bruises,” Flames head coach Bob Hartley said.

When asked whether Backlund’s absence had to do with the shot-block, Hartley replied:

“We have lots of goalies. We’ll have to call the NHL, and the NHL, in the goalie stats, will have to add a few names. We have a few guys who are bumped, but Backs is nothing serious. He should be on the ice on Monday morning.”

http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/10/12...isses-practice

“Part of winning games is sacrificing,” Hartley said after Saturday’s practice.

“I think with the guys that we went to get, plus our own guys, the word ‘commitment’ has a new meaning for this organization.

“It’s about sacrificing ourselves.

“We’re not looking for heroes and stuff like this.

“We’re looking for guys who will do what it takes to win.

“There’s no magic recipes, but right now, it seems to be working for us.
“I’m not on top of the Saddledome yelling at the world that we need to block shots, but I’m in the (dressing) room telling them that we need to block shots.”

http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/10/12...crificing-body

“I really believe there’s two reasons why we’re playing the kind of hockey that we are right now,” coach Bob Hartley said after this morning’s skate.

“No. 1, all the great workers that basically performed a miracle (after the flood) to get this rink ready for training camp. We were in our offices. We were in the gym. We didn’t have to travel all around Western Canada to play hockey. It may sound like a very weak point, but I think it’s a major point.

“And No. 2, our conditioning level. Those guys really committed from the exit meeting last year. They had a great summer. Looking at the results from testing, it’s just unbelievable. That allowed us to have a great camp, with very few minor injuries. Right now we have good jump in our game.

“I think it’s paying off for us.”

http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2013/...ost=v2#content

When the reportorial silliness surrounding Joe Thornton came out the other day, the first question in my mind was: Would Bob McKenzie have reported Thornton’s rather funny and not necessarily newsworthy dressing room comment?

Would Lance Hornby have? Would Elliotte Friedman have? Would Eric Duhatschek have? Would any of the most respected and regarded reporters in hockey have gone public with Thornton’s made-for-locker-room retort.

My gut reaction: No.

We all have heard things over the years, some funny, some silly, some disgusting off the cuff dressing room comments, often from player to player, away from notebooks and tape recorders. Hockey players — all athletes really — can be rather childish in their own environments, their locker rooms or dressing rooms. Those of us who do our jobs in and around that area have to understand and respect the fine line between what is news, what is reporting and what is, in fact, play.

Anyone who has been in the media industry around sports for any period of time has been exposed to some kind of Joe Thornton moment. We laugh. We chuckle about it as if it’s our own private joke. And we move on.

Which is all that should have happened in Vancouver this time around.

[memphusk]

“It’s about sacrificing ourselves.

“We’re not looking for heroes and stuff like this.

“We’re looking for guys who will do what it takes to win.



This is exactly where teams start to put it together.

[Lil Pedro]

Wideman and Hudler have been monsters for us this season thus far. Great free agent acquisitions that have stepped up in a leadership role and thrived rather than sit back and pout about being part of a rebuild.

[BurningSteel]

When do we get a Bob Freakin Hartly thread?? Sounds like the blueprint for this season was laid down by him in the exit interviews.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by BurningSteel

When do we get a Bob Freakin Hartly thread?? Sounds like the blueprint for this season was laid down by him in the exit interviews.

No, no, we can't have that thread. We are too busy with the Bob Hartley and the young players, with the ice time, and the veterans, and the bias, and the Joey Mac and the power play, with the Colborne and the Horak and scaring of Gaudreau and things of this nature threads.

[Samiz]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

No, no, we can't have that thread. We are too busy with the Bob Hartley and the young players, with the ice time, and the veterans, and the bias, and the Joey Mac and the power play, with the Colborne and the Horak and scaring of Gaudreau and things of this nature threads.

Don't forget his man-crush on Street

[frinkprof]

So Monahan is living with Hudler.

There's a few points that come out of this small factoid I think.

1. Seems like yet another indicator that Monahan is up in the big league to stay.

2. Says a lot about Hudler. These young-top-pick-living-with-a-veteran arrangements from other organizations have usually been a little different. Typically it is an older veteran who has been with the team a lot longer, is an older guy in general, and in many cases been THE guy for the franchise for quite some time. Tavares lived with Doug Weight, Crosby lived with Lemieux, Jordan Staal lived with Mark Recchi, Malkin lived with Gonchar, Tanguay lived with Roy, etc. Good on a relatively young vet (Hudler is 29), relatively new to the team, and a guy from a different country who speaks a different native language to take in the 18 year old Canadian kid into his home. Says a lot about his leadership and initiative.

3. I'm glad Calgary isn't having their really young guys living together like the Oilers. When I saw a couple of TV segments about Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle living together, I cringed a bit. I'm sure in some cases that sort of thing can work (I seem to recall Rick Nash got a place for himself as an 18 year old and didn't live with a vet), but I think for most 18-20 year olds trying to find their way in a tough league, living with another 18-20 year old isn't the most ideal situation. Hall and Eberle were snickering about the trials of doing their own laundry and resisting the temptation to just have KD or whatever for dinner again. Having that built-in mentor relationship away from the rink is important.

[Allos]

Calgary FRICKIN Flames!! Man, this season's hockey team is fun to watch!

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

So Monahan is living with Hudler.

There's a few points that come out of this small factoid I think.

1. Seems like yet another indicator that Monahan is up in the big league to stay.

2. Says a lot about Hudler. These young-top-pick-living-with-a-veteran arrangements from other organizations have usually been a little different. Typically it is an older veteran who has been with the team a lot longer, is an older guy in general, and in many cases been THE guy for the franchise for quite some time. Tavares lived with Doug Weight, Crosby lived with Lemieux, Jordan Staal lived with Mark Recchi, Malkin lived with Gonchar, Tanguay lived with Roy, etc. Good on a relatively young vet (Hudler is 29), relatively new to the team, and a guy from a different country who speaks a different native language to take in the 18 year old Canadian kid into his home. Says a lot about his leadership and initiative.

3. I'm glad Calgary isn't having their really young guys living together like the Oilers. When I saw a couple of TV segments about Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle living together, I cringed a bit. I'm sure in some cases that sort of thing can work (I seem to recall Rick Nash got a place for himself as an 18 year old and didn't live with a vet), but I think for most 18-20 year olds trying to find their way in a tough league, living with another 18-20 year old isn't the most ideal situation. Hall and Eberle were snickering about the trials of doing their own laundry and resisting the temptation to just have KD or whatever for dinner again. Having that built-in mentor relationship away from the rink is important.

Agree with most of your post, with the exception of the first point. Don't think it's an indication he's here to say, in fact I'd say it's more of an indication that at the start of the season they had no clue if he'd stick, so rather than have him get his own place, live with a team mate until they make up their mind.

Still, hope he sticks and hope the living arrangement sticks if they keep him around permanently because I agree its beneficial. He's really young, lots he can learn, and probably adds structure to his life almost having a bit of an adult figure at the house.

[transplant99]

Yeah the Hudler/Monohan thing surprised me a bit too...particularly when i hear on the radio that Jiri likes to "be home without da boyce".

[strombad]

I don't know about anyone else, but this makes me furious. In his commercial on the Fan, Hudler CLEARLY STATES:
"The only ting I like more dan being on da road wit di boys, is being at home, witout di boys."
And the Flames organisation is forcing him to live with Monahan? Taking away his one true place of enjoyment?
What a bush league organisation!

EDIT: Damn transplant, beat me to it!

[Scoreface]

Yeah, that Hartley. Cutting Sven's ice time like he should earn it and starting MacDonald. Geesh.
Of all the nerve!

That aside, he is a winning coach for a reason and isn't oblivious to the stage of this team's cycle. He instilled an intangible into this team which could carry on for years.

I will cherish this young Flames era not so much for individual successes and team peaks, as much as the culture this man has instilled into this team. It's a die hard family, who will have it's share of losses. But I really believe they will care and band together.

The team up North? They are hardly worth this sentence. This brand of team is more than a quantum leap from them. I welcome a gif for that! Haha.

Winning matters here, even if it isn't always reflected on the scoresheet. I'm convinced of that, though I am 120 miles or more from the locker room.

[Lil Pedro]

Guess Jiri does like being at home...with the boys. Take that Hopestreet.ca!

[Meelapo]

After all the high profile exits I was wondering if the guys that signed here last year would even want to play and be part of this. It sounds like they actually do which is great! Anyone concerned with what will happen if/when Cammalleri returns?

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Meelapo

After all the high profile exits I was wondering if the guys that signed here last year would even want to play and be part of this. It sounds like they actually do which is great! Anyone concerned with what will happen if/when Cammalleri returns?

Ive read this sentiment quite a bit on CP and i have no idea what the issue is.

MC is a really good hockey player who is on the last year of his deal. I wouldnt be surprised if he wanted to stay here, but even if he is looking to move, he will only be able to do so if he is playing well...other wise no one will be trading for him AND his value will diminish in free agency.

The guy is a fitness freak and a pro all around, I just see nothing to worry about when he returns and even expect him to contribute in a significant way.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Ive read this sentiment quite a bit on CP and i have no idea what the issue is.

MC is a really good hockey player who is on the last year of his deal. I wouldnt be surprised if he wanted to stay here, but even if he is looking to move, he will only be able to do so if he is playing well...other wise no one will be trading for him AND his value will diminish in free agency.

The guy is a fitness freak and a pro all around, I just see nothing to worry about when he returns and even expect him to contribute in a significant way.

Amen. I get the idea of not wanting to disrupt successful chemistry, but having 2 legit NHLers like Cammy and Stajan comeback should do nothing but help. I love the all out effort this team is currently playing with, but it'll wear you down after awhile. Having 2 guys with skill, that have also shown they are willing to play the high pressure, uptempo game Hartley's employed, will definitely be an asset. Stajan can also win draws, and Cammy is just another weapon that the defending team will have to be aware of, leaving more room for the rest of the guys.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Agree with most of your post, with the exception of the first point. Don't think it's an indication he's here to say, in fact I'd say it's more of an indication that at the start of the season they had no clue if he'd stick, so rather than have him get his own place, live with a team mate until they make up their mind.

Still, hope he sticks and hope the living arrangement sticks if they keep him around permanently because I agree its beneficial. He's really young, lots he can learn, and probably adds structure to his life almost having a bit of an adult figure at the house.

At the beginning of the season he was staying in a hotel. He's only recently moved in with Hudler. Because the move has happened since the season started, I think (and hope) it means he's staying up permanently. If he was going to be sent down, they'd just keep him at the hotel. I don't know if they'd want him to move, and get settled, only to send him down.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Scoreface

Yeah, that Hartley. Cutting Sven's ice time like he should earn it and starting MacDonald. Geesh.
Of all the nerve!

That aside, he is a winning coach for a reason and isn't oblivious to the stage of this team's cycle. He instilled an intangible into this team which could carry on for years.

I will cherish this young Flames era not so much for individual successes and team peaks, as much as the culture this man has instilled into this team. It's a die hard family, who will have it's share of losses. But I really believe they will care and band together.

The team up North? They are hardly worth this sentence. This brand of team is more than a quantum leap from them. I welcome a gif for that! Haha.

Winning matters here, even if it isn't always reflected on the scoresheet. I'm convinced of that, though I am 120 miles or more from the locker room.

I am a big fan that if you want to accomplish something difficult you have to believe in it. I believe players believing in the coach is also important. Hartley doesn't just try to hammer things into players but talks about intangibles and gives he players reasons to want to do it; "Instead of doing it because they are being told or treated like they are kids." He also tries to fit round pegs into round holes and works with what works such as going with the hot goalie. Hartley is also not afraid to take the time to praise certain players and not tearing them down "unless it's warranted". When Sven stepped up he let Sven know that he was proud of his play and now we have a confident Sven going forward who knows exactly what makes the coach happy.

This is a far cry from the Brent era where every mistake got magnified, players called out and some being favored over others even when they didn't show up to play. Hartley knows how to coach he knows how to get everyone to believe not only in the team game but in themselves. Brent I believed was a great coach but a very poor motivator. Hartley I think will get the most out of these guys and they will go to the wall for him. His comments on Hudler and Wideman will make those 2 players continue to assert themselves as leaders feeling proud of their roles and feeling like a big part of the team. Hudler taking Monahan in only enhances the Flames showing Hudler he is a valued and appreciated part of the Flames organization.

In Edmonton players are doubting from game to game, the ability to win isn't ingrained and they don't even have much confidence in each other. They have adopted a losing mentality all through the line up. Klowe may have tried to repeat the high flying oilers of the past, but they didn't become what they were through a losing mentality. Klowes past cups certainly are not helping this group of oilers to win any games.

[killer_carlson]

Im not worried about MC coming back.

It is Stajan that worries me.

[landshark]

Must be nice to see some good news and something other than the constant barrage of "look what stupid thing calgary has done now' articles that were becoming the mainstay of reporters looking for something snarky to write about...

You guys must be having a blast! Buncha kids working hard and ignoring the prognostications of a bunch of people that have never played the game.