Bob Mackenzie Flames 16/17 preview

[Iniggywetrust]

http://www.tsn.ca/video/training-cam...-belief~953291

This guy is just a cut above everyone else out there.

[Ring of Fire]

If Bennett is really 200lbs now as McKenzie suggested, that should really help his success this year.

[Da_Chief]

If you're a non-Flames fan its a good preview.

As a Flames fan there was nothing new in that video.

[TheScorpion]

Really deep and thorough preview. Good stuff.

[1qqaaz]

How does Bob Mackenzie know so much about hockey?

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by Ring of Fire

If Bennett is really 200lbs now as McKenzie suggested, that should really help his success this year.

Been waiting all summer to hear how he has done in the weight room. That's got to be atleast 10 pounds heavier then he went into last season. I like it!

[FBI]

That was pretty good. Can't think of anybody he really missed.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

If you're a non-Flames fan its a good preview.

As a Flames fan there was nothing new in that video.

Shocking, you were already aware of the Flames off season moves?

[smiggy77]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

How does Bob Mackenzie know so much about hockey?

He probably has been reading CP

[Cantrader]

Anyone thinks Porier will make the team? He kinda regress last year.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Cantrader

Anyone thinks Porier will make the team? He kinda regress last year.

Hopefully having a few guys around him (Shinkaruk, Tkachuk, Mangiapanie, etc...) depth chart-wise will light a bit of a fire under him.

Notes from Huska were that lower levels were "too easy" for him, so the day-to-day of being a pro wasn't there. But apparently he's committed himself more to those things (eating right, maintaining fitness, etc..).

[MrMastodonFarm]

Actually I like Poirier during his call up more than I like Shinkaruk last season, but the latter has higher offensive upside at the pro level then the latter it seems. Poirier could easily trend to be another Frolik, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Gaudreau - Monahan - ___
____ - Bennett - Brouwer
____ - Backlund - Frolik
Stajan - ____ - Bouma/Ferland/Bollig

1st line option - Shinkaruk, Chaison
2nd line option - Shinkaruk, Tkachuk
3rd line option - Shinkaruk, Tkachuk, Poirier, Jankowski
4th line option - Jankowski

Major holes to fill, but plenty of interesting options. That top line wing might remain open but 13 and 23 are top level players capable of carrying a lesser player. Just needs to be smart and play with some jam.

Tkachuk and Poirier filling in the gaps on 2/3 would be a dream. Both would look perfect on those lines with players that compliment them well. Obviously both have plenty of developing to do (so does Bennett) but no doubt we'll see glimpses of whats to come.

Good coverage by Mackenzie, best of his craft.

[djsFlames]

That was solid. Well done Bob.

His choices to fill said "holes" are debatable, though. It'd definitely be Shinkaruk or Tkachuk to slot in beside Bennett and Brouwer before Ferland, I'd say.

Ferland and Bouma are interchangeable between the 3rd and 4th lines. Would love to see Bouma regain his scoring touch from 14/15 and solidify himself on the Backlund line.

[DoubleK]

As usual, Bob #nailedit

[Hackey]

Only guy he didn't really mention was Jankowski but maybe he feels he will for sure be in the AHL. I'd say he has as good of a chance as Kylington or Anderson though. All in all was a pretty accurate review.

[JohnnyT]

The thing I like about Bob is he identifies the holes and then gives the possible options to fill them, a lot of previews would identify the holes and then say there's still question marks up front

[sa226]

I think, for this season there just isn't room for Jankowski. He may impress, and he may get some call ups. But if Tkachuk makes the team, also having Jankowski around may tip the scales of having too much youth in the lineup of a team that "should" make the playoffs.

If the Flames fancy Jankowski as a Stajan or Backlund replacement, he should get a one way ticket to Stockton, where he can hone his pro game. Then, next year give him every opportunity to be a full time NHLer. If he dominates down there, fantastic. But if there's any prospect that could use an extra dollop of patience, its Jankowski.

Im pretty excited about his future with the franchise.

[LanceUppercut]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Only guy he didn't really mention was Jankowski but maybe he feels he will for sure be in the AHL. I'd say he has as good of a chance as Kylington or Anderson though. All in all was a pretty accurate review.

I think Jankowski will spend the year in the AHL. There isn't much point keeping him up to play 4th line minutes when he can play first line minutes in Stockton.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Originally Posted by FBI

That was pretty good. Can't think of anybody he really missed.

On D I think he could have spoken on Nakladal, but other than that Bang on.

[Bunk]

I really, really hope Bennett and Tkachuk can gel into one of those pairs. Having a Monahan-Gaudreau and Bennett-Tkachuk one-two punch would serve us well.