[News] News on the Defense

[Nehkara]

O’Brien on waivers, Wideman’s woes, Smid not practising

O’BRIEN ON WAIVERS

O’Brien’s next rest stop doesn’t appear to be Calgary — he didn’t practise at the Corral. And his dressing-room stall had been completely cleaned out. Name plate gone, too.

WIDEMAN’S WOES

Prior to Saturday’s practice, coach Bob Hartley and Wideman skated at least a half-dozen laps together. The conversation? Animated . . . and one-sided.

“Just telling him to, right now, unplug,” said Hartley. “Things are not going well for Wides. I told him, ‘Hey, sometimes you’re on the ice and things don’t go your way, pucks end up in your net — and you’re not the responsible guy.’ I said, ‘Hey, enjoy today. Enjoy (Sunday’s) day off. Monday, let’s go back to work.’ We definitely need a guy like Dennis Wideman.”

WHERE’S SMID?

“Whatever you want to call it. All-over-the-body maintenance.”

BRODIE SURGING

Hartley was asked how often he tells Brodie to jump into the rush, to attack more.

“Yes, I remind him every day — every day,” replied Hartley, grinning. “It’s starting to sink in, I guess. T.J. doesn’t know how good he is. That’s going to grow with maturity, with experience. He’s still a very young player for us.

Good article. Worth reading. It's pretty cool that the Flames have turned a low 4th round pick in 2008 into a very promising D-man for the present and future in Brodie.

[SeanCharles]

I really like Russell, Brodie, Gio, Smid and Wideman on our blue line. We need a big, gritty RH guy back there to round out the top 6 tho.

You get the impression Hartley was referring to O'Brien in his comments to Wideman. They have been paired together since his return from injury and it has made things more difficult for Wides.

Butler is an ok enough stopgap until we find some more pieces.

Also I went to the game last night and said before his goal that Brodie was having a great game. He looked impressive out there.

Edit: oh ya Jones tipped what looked to be Brodie's goal..great game none the less..

[Vulcan]

When TJ first turned pro, not jumping up into the play wasn't his problem. I think Playfair and Sutter had to teach him, defence first and now that he's got that down fairly well, it's time to start rushing the puck again.

[killer_carlson]

If his locker is empty, then that meeting couldn't have gone well!

[FBI]

Yeah I was going to say pretty harsh there.. nameplate stripped etc..

[saXon]

Most people (fans) focus on the moves that bring people into the club, media generated buzz, trade speculations, and impatience of acquiring players. The reality is, quite often the most important moves for a hockey club is shedding dead weight.

Burke may not be making trades, or bringing in names, but he's definitely making moves with this hockey club. So far it's looking for the better.

..and yes, Butler is a serviceable very solid 5/6 D man who hasn't even reached his prime.

[browna]

Sounds like O'Brien is getting the Blair Jones (last season) and Joey McDonald treatment after a single incident, and O'Brien likely isn't as gracious in taking the sudden demotion.

[killer_carlson]

I concur Browna

I think he is being held accountable for a few things and probably objected more vigorously than guys who were glad to have one way contracts. I think more than one message is being sent with this:

1) accountability for poor play
2) accountability for the role you are here to play (i.e. physical intimidating defenceman)
3) suck it up when we give you bad news, and if you don't, we're going to prove how serious we are taking it.

I think this message is directed at a number of current roster players, all four lines.

[moon]

Originally Posted by browna

Sounds like O'Brien is getting the Blair Jones (last season) and Joey McDonald treatment after a single incident, and O'Brien likely isn't as gracious in taking the sudden demotion.

A single incident?

He has been god awful all year long. This is about a lot more than that one gaff and likely about the fact that kind of play is the norm for SOB not a single bad play.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Originally Posted by moon

A single incident?

He has been god awful all year long. This is about a lot more than that one gaff and likely about the fact that kind of play is the norm for SOB not a single bad play.

I assume by 'single incident', the other poster is referring to the 2013-2014 NHL season.

[Robo]

Why do some people try to blame the organization or coach rather than hold the individual accountable o'brien wasn't good enough

[browna]

As far as incident, I mean a bad game last night.

I don't know what some had as far as the expectations are/were for SOB this year, who was always going to be a 5/6 on this roster, but outside of some of the more physical side of things, I don't think he's fallen that short of the low expectations most had...and pretty consistent in his play (however below average on a poor team). But, like Joey Mac (the team leader in wins at that point), one bad game, don't like the criticism, and its down to the farm.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by browna

As far as incident, I mean a bad game last night.

I don't know what some had as far as the expectations are/were for SOB this year, who was always going to be a 5/6 on this roster, but outside of some of the more physical side of things, I don't think he's fallen that short of the low expectations most had...and pretty consistent in his play (however below average on a poor team). But, like Joey Mac (the team leader in wins at that point), one bad game, don't like the criticism, and its down to the farm.

Expectations should have been on O'Brien being a competent 5/6 defencemen, He is not.

Also, Joey Mac - you have a goalie that let in some terrible goals, but he goes and blames his team right away, while making his errors seem insignificant. That is the 1st step in wrecking your team chemistry. I was really glad to see them shipping MacDonald down, and getting Berra up here right away.

No player likes the criticism. Do you like it when your boss pulls you in and gives you criticism for some of your work? Of course not. However, we need to take it well, accept that criticism and work on it. That is who you become better. That is why behavioral tests are so important to companies hiring employees now. They will often take a less qualified employee who they can train to do the work, over an employee that could potentially be a problem to deal with down the road.

As for O'Brien meeting his expectations - obviously he is not. I am sure the expectations were for him to be a nasty, physical presence on the backend. Flames wanted an 'upgrade' on defence over Sarich. That did not happen. They wanted someone with more snarl than Sarich. Again, didn't happen. He has been bad. He hasn't been very physical.

If that wasn't obvious, how about Feaster remarking after the Smid trade? He stated that the Flames aren't very happy with the bottom pairing, and how few minutes they are able to play, putting too much pressure on their first two pairings.

I know what you are trying to get it. "Speak out against the team like Jones and MacDonald, and get banished off the team so unjustly." Could it just be that it was the final straws? That Jones was playing poorly, and when he was confronted on that he wasn't professional and disagreed? That MacDonald came into camp in 'disappointing shape', was not as well as expected, and was only an 'insurance policy' in case neither Ramo nor Berra were any good.

You don't let anyone on the team ruin your team in any way, nevermind some fringe players.