Smarten Up Hartley....Play Baertschi!

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Jones' goal happened because he got outbattled physically twice in a row by Jones himself. I like Baertschi, but his defensive game needs work and he is pushed off his feet an awful lot. He still needs to get stronger.

I'm going to disagree here, on Jones' goal Jones came in and knocked Baertschi over from behind. When you are watching and reaching for the puck and you get hit in the back almost everyone is going to fall over.

I do agree that he needs to get stronger and that he is a work in progress but I am ok with some bumps in the road.

[bubbsy]

ok now i see what you all have been saying....

Not sure why guys like cammalleri/glencross keep getting key offensive/PP minutes over baertchi who is showing more battle, creativity, and generating more than either of these guys.

I'd be happy to see the flames lose every game of the year going forward, as long as baertchi is given every opportunity to improve this year.

[Badgers Nose]

I think Sven could use more time in the AHL. Initially I thought having him up here was the right thing. But going so long between points has to be tough on his confidence.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

I think Sven could use more time in the AHL. Initially I thought having him up here was the right thing. But going so long between points has to be tough on his confidence.

After last night game I don't think confidence is that big of an issue. When he was out he played better than the vets that got more ice time then him.

Meritocracy my ass.

[Stay Golden]

More Sven less Coma

[MisterJoji]

Not trying to say I can relate to professional athletes whatsoever, or I know the inner workings of the Flames and the Hartley/Sven dynamic, I just wanted to provide a little input that might be mildly related. Throughout high school I played varsity basketball. In grade 11 we had a fantastic coach who put in guidelines of his offensive and defensive systems, but as long as we were playing well he gave us some freedom and leeway on the court. We did great, made the division finals and I made it to the allstar team. The next year that coach got a promotion at another school and our new coach who took over was a complete task master who would bench anyone who had one sloppy turnover or missed a couple shots. Personally, I felt like he was breathing down my neck the whole game and I could not relax whatsoever and just "play", knowing that one error I was back on the bench. It was extremely frustrating to have to play perfect to get playing time, because who can play perfect every minute of every game. Needless to say we had a terrible year both as a team and personally.

I feel like maybe this is what Sven is feeling a bit. He's one of the most creative, skilled players on the team but has yet to be given a real opportunity to succeed since once he loses one board battle, he's parked on the bench while Comeau and Glencross stink it up. In not saying he should be out there for every power play and get 22+ minutes a game, but 15 minutes or so with some 2nd unit PP minutes and some skilled linemates. Give the kid a little freedom for a few games and see what he can do when doesn't have to worry about every little tiny mistake putting him back on the bench. It's hard to improve when you're getting 4 minutes of grinding every game. If he doesn't show anything for a few games, then sure, send him to Abby or down a line or two but at least give him a chance to succeed.

[Badgers Nose]

It might seem weird to quote Darryl Sutter, but didn't he once say you play a top six prospects in the top six if you're going to bring them up? I tend to agree with that sentiment.

So if Sven is not playing on a line with Jarome then he should probably be in the AHL lighting things up.

[indes]

God we're terrible with prospects. Seriously why even try get good picks this team will just muck it up anyways. Same thing with backlund in the beginning of the season. Took what? 5-6 games of him playing obviously better than the vets? Ridiculous expectations from a rookie

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

I think Sven could use more time in the AHL. Initially I thought having him up here was the right thing. But going so long between points has to be tough on his confidence.

Trust me, I don't think he does need more time in the AHL. He's borderline dominant here. I'd like to see him a little more challenged in the NHL.

[Roof-Daddy]

Hopefully Sven can pack on another twenty or so pounds of muscle and get stronger. He's listed as 180lbs.

He's only twenty, so I think he'll have no problem doing that over the next couple years.

[Iggy Snipe]

The expectations for Sven in Calgary are insane. He in no way at all looks dominant on the ice during games. He shows flashes of his great talent when he has the puck with a little room, but the guy does not have blazing speed or insane hands. He has potential to be a good player in the NHL, but its going to be a bit of a process.

People who think he is going to save this team, this season or next, are crazy. IMO he should be in the minors still- where he CAN be dominant sometimes, where in the NHL its almost never. His icetime reflects his play. If he was so good he would get the ice time.

At the beginning of the season, he was on the second line, getting good minutes. He did absolutely nothing with the time 3-4 games in a row. He clearly was not ready. Therefore he now gets less ice time. His three goals last season need to leave the minds of everyone. He has 1 assist this season, and with his ice time he is given, whether it be 10 minutes or 5 minutes, he needs to do something with it. He is a passenger, and at his age, he should be balls out every shift.

To be honest, he looks scared, small, and out of place.

[orr444]

Well Sven was on a line with Cammy and glencross at practice, so maybe he will see more ice time next game

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Iggy Snipe

The expectations for Sven in Calgary are insane. He in no way at all looks dominant on the ice during games. He shows flashes of his great talent when he has the puck with a little room, but the guy does not have blazing speed or insane hands. He has potential to be a good player in the NHL, but its going to be a bit of a process.

People who think he is going to save this team, this season or next, are crazy. IMO he should be in the minors still- where he CAN be dominant sometimes, where in the NHL its almost never. His icetime reflects his play. If he was so good he would get the ice time.

At the beginning of the season, he was on the second line, getting good minutes. He did absolutely nothing with the time 3-4 games in a row. He clearly was not ready. Therefore he now gets less ice time. His three goals last season need to leave the minds of everyone. He has 1 assist this season, and with his ice time he is given, whether it be 10 minutes or 5 minutes, he needs to do something with it. He is a passenger, and at his age, he should be balls out every shift.

To be honest, he looks scared, small, and out of place.

He didn't last year... could have something to do with coaching, knowing Hartley would bench his ass if he made a turnover.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

He didn't last year... could have something to do with coaching, knowing Hartley would bench his ass if he made a turnover.

BAHAHAHA!!!

Wait, are you saying that Hartley is LESS forgiving than Brent Sutter when it comes to turnovers and mistakes?

[djsFlames]

Sven will break out. Ye unfaithful will see

His goals last year were ALL hardworking, smart and skilled goals. NHL type goals. And that was when he was in midseason form, and playing with confidence. Coming off back to back injuries = defnitely NOT in midseason form. Let him get there, and get himself figured out and up to stride. The kid has the desire, you can see it every time he speaks.

When he's playing his game at a high level, he makes things happen, at whatever level/league he's playing at. That's what I've witnessed out of this guy so far, and i'm positive he'll get there when he gets himself figured out again and plays to his strengths. The past couple games (especially last) tells me that he's getting closer.

[rayne008]

Good game for Sven ~ many chances that just missed.

[Anduril]

Hopefully this is only the beginning of a Baerstchi highlight reel filled season.