[Game Takes] Game Takes: Flames 5 Hawks 1

[Bingo]

Flames 5 Hawks 1

- Flames set single period shot record in the second with 26
- Shaky start settled by Markstrom
- Gaudreau with 3 more points

[transplant99]

Rough start for the Dube line (Lucic and Mangiapane) as they were burned twice by Patrick Kane’s line in the first period. First a coverage issue where Kane sets up Dibrincat for the Hawk’s first goal, and then later when they got running around and took a penalty.

Pretty clear the bench boss did not appreciate Dube's effort last night. Fewest minutes played on the entire team. Starting to wonder what he really is myself. Certainly expect much more than we've seen and he is still quite young, but its time to get it going.

[Enoch Root]

A lot of people are complaining about Coleman and his contract, but his situation needs to be kept in perspective. Backlund has not been playing well, and even when he is getting chances, he isn't capitalizing. His 2 breakaways last night were a pretty good example of that. Then there is Pitlick - he is just sinking the line right now. He is really struggling with the puck, to the point where he can't even move it forward through the neutral zone.

There is no way Coleman is putting up points, playing with Pitlick and a cold Backlund.

But we need to find a way to get that line going.

Like you, I think Pelletier might be the perfect solution. His speed and tenacity would really complement the other two. And he has some finish.

But I still think it would be best to keep developing him in the A. Maybe by March he is ready to come up by March.

[Bingo]

It was his man that scored the first Hawks goal.

Not sure on being benched though if you look at five on five he was within a minute of his linemates. Just didn't play any special teams.

I think that line is coming along. Could take some patience though.

[GioforPM]

I thought the 3rd pairing had a great game. And I did think Dube had a rough time of it.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

A lot of people are complaining about Coleman and his contract, but his situation needs to be kept in perspective. Backlund has not been playing well, and even when he is getting chances, he isn't capitalizing. His 2 breakaways last night were a pretty good example of that. Then there is Pitlick - he is just sinking the line right now. He is really struggling with the puck, to the point where he can't even move it forward through the neutral zone.

There is no way Coleman is putting up points, playing with Pitlick and a cold Backlund.

But we need to find a way to get that line going.

Like you, I think Pelletier might be the perfect solution. His speed and tenacity would really complement the other two. And he has some finish.

But I still think it would be best to keep developing him in the A. Maybe by March he is ready to come up by March.

I like Pitlick's direct, physical game, but it's more of a fourth line role.

Richardson really isn't doing anything.

Pitlick down and someone in on that Backlund line and you may be able to roll all four lines like he wants.

[Enoch Root]

I didn't think Dube was bad, after the first. But he did look like his hand or wrist is bothering him, after the penalty shot.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I like Pitlick's direct, physical game, but it's more of a fourth line role.

Richardson really isn't doing anything.

Pitlick down and someone in on that Backlund line and you may be able to roll all four lines like he wants.

Agreed.

But they don't have any cap room, so the solution has to come from within. And it's hard to avoid thinking of Pelletier.

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Bingo

It was his man that scored the first Hawks goal.

Not sure on being benched though if you look at five on five he was within a minute of his linemates. Just didn't play any special teams.

I think that line is coming along. Could take some patience though.

He was very much involved on Lewis’s SH goal. I assume you were referring to Coleman.

[GioforPM]

I thought Monahan had a good game. I thought Backlund was fine but just ice cold, and Coleman was good. How about throwing Monahan up on that line on wing. Move Pitlick to line 4.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by timbit

He was very much involved on Lewis’s SH goal. I assume you were referring to Coleman.

No Dube.

He lost his man (Debrincat) on the first Hawks' goal.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by timbit

He was very much involved on Lewis’s SH goal. I assume you were referring to Coleman.

He was talking about Dube.

[SaskyFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I thought Monahan had a good game. I thought Backlund was fine but just ice cold, and Coleman was good. How about throwing Monahan up on that line on wing. Move Pitlick to line 4.

I like this, not sure how comfortable Monahan is there but it would minimize his lack of foot speed. Plus gives them more skill. Bring in Ruzicka for a few to centre Lewis and Pitlick. Rotate players through the 4th line unless something clicks.

[GioforPM]

Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk
Monahan-Backlund-Mangiapane
Lucic-Dube-Coleman
Lewis-Ruzicka-Pitlick/Ritchie

[monkeyman]

I thought Backland was fine last night. He made a few great defensive plays and had the two breakaways. I bet once he scores one, he goes on a bit of a run.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Bingo

No Dube.

He lost his man (Debrincat) on the first Hawks' goal.

Actually just saw the replay from a distance and maybe I'm wrong.

The Flames in their zone coverage had Lucic high slot (puck was on the right side), and Dube covering the RW coverage up the wall. Mangiapane would technically be on the hook as he was doing the center coverage, and honestly he was providing the proper coverage, but they made a good play.

[Infinit47]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

A lot of people are complaining about Coleman and his contract, but his situation needs to be kept in perspective. Backlund has not been playing well, and even when he is getting chances, he isn't capitalizing. His 2 breakaways last night were a pretty good example of that. Then there is Pitlick - he is just sinking the line right now. He is really struggling with the puck, to the point where he can't even move it forward through the neutral zone.

There is no way Coleman is putting up points, playing with Pitlick and a cold Backlund.

But we need to find a way to get that line going.

Like you, I think Pelletier might be the perfect solution. His speed and tenacity would really complement the other two. And he has some finish.

But I still think it would be best to keep developing him in the A. Maybe by March he is ready to come up by March.

I thought Pitlick would be much more useful than he has been. Pelletier would be intriguing, but I think we've all seen how important it is to not rush players.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Infinit47

I thought Pitlick would be much more useful than he has been. Pelletier would be intriguing, but I think we've all seen how important it is to not rush players.

Yeah, I was good with the Pitlick signing. But his offense (which was never his strength) has completely evaporated at this point.

And I fully agree that Pelletier shouldn't be rushed.

But at the same time, it sure looks like Pelletier is the perfect solution for that line.