[GDT] Preseason Flames @ Sharks. 8:30 MT. Erik Karlsson's Shark Debut

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Sigh.

No, honestly. I don't get it.

[kukkudo]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

https://twitter.com/user/status/1045372844480245760

On paper that forward group is stacked! If everything goes right the Flames are going to be a forechecking machine rolling four lines like that.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

No, honestly. I don't get it.

My apologies then, I thought I was going to get blasted for thinking Gillies might have the edge over Rittich.

Just my opinion that with 2 games remaining and little time to prove anything for the backups (maybe 1 game left where they play half each?) and the coach saying he wants close to NHL ready line ups we might just be seeing our tandem to start the season.

Maybe the thinking is if Smith goes down tonight or wants half the game off etc then they want Gillies to get the net.

Again, might be telling. Could be nothing.

[Willi Plett]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Almost suggests they are now looking at making four lines that can score due to the Dube/Czarnik pop in camp.

I would think it’s a combination. You are trying to build chemistry but you are also testing players and combinations still. If you choose to keep rookies and risk others to waivers you also need to know what sort of flexibility there is in the roster.

You know you will have players hit slumps and will have injuries. So Czarnik for example looked like he had some great chemistry where he was. What does he look like on a different line and how does that affect the balance. Maybe now you have the same production from him and more from Frolik (or maybe not). How does the shuffle affect the minutes played and does that leave certain players fresher for special teams.

Also, the level of competition is rising as the preseason draws to the end. Can the rookies still stand out?

A lot to look at and consider and see in picking 12, 13 forward and 6,7 defense.

[Kovaz]

They've definitely got the right 12 forwards in today, so I like that quite a bit. Looks to me like they've got Dube and Valimaki penciled in as making the team but they still need to finish strong to confirm those spots, so hopefully they keep it up.

I'm still not totally sure what I'd want to do with the 3rd D pair. I think if Andersson was a lefty the spot would be his, but as it stands I'd guess they're hoping Valimaki has a great final 2 games and they give him the spot.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Toonage

My apologies then, I thought I was going to get blasted for thinking Gillies might have the edge over Rittich.

Just my opinion that with 2 games remaining and little time to prove anything for the backups (maybe 1 game left where they play half each?) and the coach saying he wants close to NHL ready line ups we might just be seeing our tandem to start the season.

Maybe the thinking is if Smith goes down tonight or wants half the game off etc then they want Gillies to get the net.

Again, might be telling. Could be nothing.

If it's Smith / Gillies again on Saturday against Edmonton, I think that would be telling. It could easily be Rittich / Gillies or Smith / Rittich and then you're back to guessing.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I don't like exposing my computer to viruses and spyware. I learned a long time ago that it's not worth it, and pay services ensure that I don't have to worry about that kind of stuff. Hence why I use Gamecenter for all the games. If I can't find it on there or another legitimate source, I don't bother. I can find another way to kill a couple hours.

I watch it on NHL.com with a vpn set to Scandinavia.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

Agreed. Only one natural centre on the second line with tonight's line up, and no right shots, while the fourth line has three natural centres. Swapping Czarnik with Frolik would balance the faceoff skills between the lines. The only problem is that it would leave the fourth line with three left shots.

Thought of that too but since Frolik has a lot of time on the right side it doesn't worry me

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Toonage

...Again, might be telling. Could be nothing.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything there. I think chances are high that Smith plays the entire game, and until one of Rittich or Gillies is dispatched to the AHL, there is no telling what the coaches are thinking about the #2 goalie.

[David Struch]

So Mangiapane & Lazar haven't played for two games now and Hathaway hasn't even played one pre-season game yet.

[DynamRyan]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

That's a bold strategy, Cotton

Sometimes I wish ESPN 8 “The Ocho” were real.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cgycowboy]

Originally Posted by David Struch

So Mangiapane & Lazar haven't played for two games now and Hathaway hasn't even played one pre-season game yet.

Hathaway had all year last year to make a splash. He didnt now time for new blood. Way more promise from the new guys and dube in the lineup.

Sent from my SM-N950W using Tapatalk

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by David Struch

So Mangiapane & Lazar haven't played for two games now and Hathaway hasn't even played one pre-season game yet.

I don't think that is right. I'm pretty sure Hathaway got playing time in both of the China games.

[The Boy Wonder]

I think Dube should get a shot in the roster to start the season, he has done all that could be expected of him in camp / preseason. However, it needs to be remembered that rookies who excel in preseason tend to slow down a bit once the regular season starts and the vets start actually playing hard.

That said, I am excited to see these lines tonight, and hope peters continues to mash them up, the more different combinations he can get going over the first few games the better for the long run when injuries, cold streaks, hot streaks, etc. all start happening.

[David Struch]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I don't think that is right. I'm pretty sure Hathaway got playing time in both of the China games.

Oh that's right, I was only looking at the rosters of the seven pre-season games here in North America. So, he hasn't played in the last five games then.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Oh that's right, I was only looking at the rosters of the seven pre-season games here in North America. So, he hasn't played in the last five games then.

In any case your point is duly noted. One would have to think that Hathaway is hard pressed to grab a spot at this point, and I think I may be surprised to see him in the lineup on Saturday.

[foshizzle11]

I think the line up, I like that they are looking to build 4 lines that can score. I think having Czarnik on the "4th" line is good for those two. Everyone has been asking for a better RW with Bennett and Janko and now they have one. No excuses. I think we will see a goal or two tonight from that group. It will be great to see Dube get a chance with two good, experienced players against a top NHL team. See what he can really do at this level.

This is going to be a good one to watch tonight. I hope we don't have any streaming issues. I second the reddit option.

[IliketoPuck]

I really, really, really like those lines. Balanced and fast, with some size and skill on each.

[The Boy Wonder]

does the regional restriction mean people in Calgary can or cannot stream the game on teh flames site?

[Toonage]

Can