Friedman's 31 thoughts - Nov 21

[sureLoss]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...lers-playoffs/

A few Flames related items:

16. Last Saturday was an awesome flashback to the Battle of Alberta, but also what it was like to go into Calgary on a regular basis. For years, you knew that if you were going into that building, win or lose, you were going to get roughed up. Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk energized their crowd and their teammates from the first shift, with both getting under the skins of the Oilers.

Tkachuk is going to get paid. He’s such an important player for them. Bennett’s contract is up too, and GM Brad Treliving’s refusal to trade the forward could go down as one of his best decisions. Sometimes, top selections (Bennett went fourth overall) get caught up in points and such. Bennett can have a long and excellent career as an edgy and productive all-around player. He just needs to embrace it.

18. Last season, David Rittich got an opportunity to be the No. 1 goalie in Calgary when Mike Smith was injured, and the mental side of it got to him. It happens. Even at 25, he was a rookie and it is new. One thing the Flames are working on with him is preparing the same way to start as he did when he was the backup. Always the same. Results are good so far, and it is clear his teammates believe in him.

Could it be the Battle of Alberta in Regina?

29. Reported this last year, hoping I’ll be correct this year, but Regina remains very much on the map for an NHL outdoor game. I’d assume Edmonton versus either Calgary or Winnipeg, but you know what happens when you assume. The league has visited Mosaic Stadium at least once this fall.

Also some interesting points:
Pens tried to acquire Montour from the Ducks but failed. Friedman speculates that Silfverberg might be a fit for the Pens.
Howard downplayed the rumors that he and the Wings have had contract extension talks
Lots of discussion on the recent coaching changes

[Toonage]

Oh, Bennett is embracing it alright. No concerns there. Kid loves to muck it up.

Also, I would be so down for Calgary in an outdoor game in Regina. Can't see the BoA in Regina though, so bring on Winnipeg.

[troutman]

A hockey game in Regina, where the fans all wear their Rider gear? No thanks.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by troutman

A hockey game in Regina, where the fans all wear their Rider gear? No thanks.

I'll be the one red sweater in the middle.

Actually tons of Flames/Jets/Oilers fans out here but yeah, green will be present.

Wouldn't shock me to see the Oil or Jets go with a green special occasion sweater. Thankfully that doesn't work for the Flames.

[Monahan For Mayor]

I'd guess it would be Edmonton Vs Calgary or Winni. They would need the golden boy front and center.

[killer_carlson]

11. Peter Chiarelli looked stressed and exhausted when he spoke to Gene Principe during our Oilers/Sharks broadcast Tuesday night. Firing someone isn’t easy, and McLellan didn’t take it quietly.

I found the bolded part to be the most interesting part of the article. Oh to have been a fly on the wall.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I found the bolded part to be the most interesting part of the article. Oh to have been a fly on the wall.

I imagine it went along the lines of;

"It wasn't me that traded Hall and Eberle for a hill of beans. It wasn't me that signed Lucic to a contract that forced us to play him. Good luck to the next guy that is tasked with winning with this steaming pile of dung you provided for a roster".

McLellan may not be anything more than an average NHL head coach but he was by far the most competent person in that entire organization and he takes the fall.

[Boo Radley]

Outdoor game should be Winnipeg vs Calgary.
What the heck has Edmonton done to be awarded an outdoor game?
I get that they have McDavid. Terribly managed team.

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by Boo Radley

Outdoor game should be Winnipeg vs Calgary.
What the heck has Edmonton done to be awarded an outdoor game?
I get that they have McDavid. Terribly managed team.

I imagine marketing McDingus and the band of merry geeks is more important to the NHL over what they've recently done.

[Hockeyguy15]

Screw the outdoor game, Edmonton and Winnipeg can have it for all I care.

[cam_wmh]

Let Vancouver and Winnipeg play in Regina.

Calgary should have another one at McMahon, as a BOA.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Calgary should have another one at McMahon, as a BOA.

Pass. It was a nightmare last time from a fan perspective.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by troutman

A hockey game in Regina, where the fans all wear their Rider gear? No thanks.

I'd love to see a bunch of them trying to get the frozen Watermelons off their head's in the 3rd period.

[Murph]

Re: Friedman’s comments on Bennett

The more I think about the situation, the more I see similarities between Bennett and Daymond Langkow. If we end up with Langkow 2.0 I’ll be a very happy customer.

[LIP MAN]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Pass. It was a nightmare last time from a fan perspective.

The cold?

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Pass. It was a nightmare last time from a fan perspective.

I dunno. From this fan's perspective, it went quite well.

That said, while I'd definitely go to another one if we did it again, I'm not exactly clamoring for it.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by LIP MAN

The cold?

Way too cold. Hard to enjoy a game when you are focusing more on survival. I'm sure some people will beat on their chest and say it wasn't that bad but sitting outdoors for hours in subzero temperatures is not my idea of fun regardless of what's being presented.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

Screw the outdoor game, Edmonton and Winnipeg can have it for all I care.

Yup. Thanks but no thanks, go and let McDavid and his merry band of morons go freeze their asses off.

Lucic would probably develop Hypothermia and have to be put on indefinite IR.

[Husky]

Originally Posted by Murph

Re: Friedman’s comments on Bennett

The more I think about the situation, the more I see similarities between Bennett and Daymond Langkow. If we end up with Langkow 2.0 I’ll be a very happy customer.

I dont see bennett and langkow having much in common. If bennett can continue to work on his defensive game, stay fiesty and be important to the PK. He will be a guy like mike peca.

[killer_carlson]

Peca was a stronger skater than Bennett but I think it is a good analogy. Ryan Kesler might be another.