[GDT] Flames in Boston. 5pm MT. SNW

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Jore

this will be a tough one for the flames. boston plays well through the neutral zone and defensively. they can really slow down the flames attack and stifle a dump-in game with their strength along the boards. doesn't help that it's another back-to-back, 3 in 4 nights situation... hoping for a point here, this game is close to a scheduled loss

Nah, the Flames can beat anybody. The only thing that worries me about this one is possible fatigue from playing 3 games in 4 nights, and Smith's ability to play back-to-back. If the offence continues to light it up, we'll be just fine.

A strong 1st period is a must against the Bruins though, especially in their barn.

[Split98]

Czarnik with an opportunity to get the season going against his old team hopefully is good news. We could really use what he's supposed to be bringing - and Peters all but called that out in his post-game last night (expect depth scoring to play vs Boston as it didn't vs Detroit)

Happy to see Rittich get some time off (think it's more that than anything TBH), but wish we'd see Gillies tn for a couple reasons:
- Find out what Gillies is going to do in the NHL this year
- Let Smith build off a good start instead of asking him to play B2B

I hope it's a very short leash (give Smith back the net early if need be), but it seems like an opportunity to shift goaltending into a very positive direction.
If Gillies plays well... we have 3 goalies ready to take on starting duties when it felt earlier we'd struggle to have one.
If Gillies struggled, Smith played well in Detroit and we have optimism to build on

Fingers crossed all the good from that Detroit win doesn't come undone with our 36yo goalie playing B2B coming off a rough start to the season...
...the narrative seems ripe for a safer move here IMO

[foshizzle11]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

This is a bad choice by Peters. Smith already has the endurance of a diseased yak on its deathbed and played last night and you are going to throw him in against the Bruins? Then again I guess the other choice is Gillies who has not been good in the AHL but given Smith is going to get shallacked why not see if the kid can come in and steal one? 8-4 Bruins, prove me wrong Smith.

Ya, I agree. Isn't his record in the second game of a back-to-back horrendous?

I am not sure Gillies would fair better though at this point. With those two options, the coach has a 50/50 chance of success unfortunately.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by David Struch

I hope it isn't Michael Frolík coming out of the line-up.

It should be Bennett coming out.

Has he ever watched from the press box without being injured? What could it hurt letting him observe for a game? Though they may miss his physicality a but, they sure as hell won't miss his "offense".

Such a frustrating player.

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by transplant99

It should be Bennett coming out.

Has he ever watched from the press box without being injured? What could it hurt letting him observe for a game? Though they may miss his physicality a but, they sure as hell won't miss his "offense".

Such a frustrating player.

You haven’t watched enough Neal.

[Vansmack]

Smith > Gillies. This will mark Smiths 6th start in a month. If the guy cannot handle that workload he shouldn't be here. I still appreciate Smiths ability to break-up the dump and chase play of opposing teams.

If we can survive the first, I think we have a great chance, but Boston has been rolling and must have some confidence after their comeback win against the Hawks.

[keenan87]

It is pretty neat to see fans of other teams worried about playing the Flames. Especially, teams as good as the Boston Bruins. I have a bad feeling about this one but I really hope the boys can get a win here. Gaudreau should be pumped to play in front of friends.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

This is a bad choice by Peters. Smith already has the endurance of a diseased yak on its deathbed and played last night and you are going to throw him in against the Bruins? Then again I guess the other choice is Gillies who has not been good in the AHL but given Smith is going to get shallacked why not see if the kid can come in and steal one? 8-4 Bruins, prove me wrong Smith.

Mike Smith has played 22 games this season. Unless he's nursing an injury, there is 0 reason to worry about his ability to play back to back..............all the other players on the team are doing it.

Our starting goalie is injured, and our 3rd string goalie is struggling in the AHL. Not even sure there is another choice for starter tonight, especially considering Smith got a win last night and gave us no reason for concern. Taking this opportunity to see if Smith can build some momentum of his own is the right call, and starting Smith is clearly also icing our best line up tonight over Gillies.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by foshizzle11

Ya, I agree. Isn't his record in the second game of a back-to-back horrendous?...

Mike Smith has not played back-to-back games this season. Last year he played one set of consecutive nights; he lost the first game and won the second.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by transplant99

It should be Bennett coming out.

Has he ever watched from the press box without being injured? What could it hurt letting him observe for a game? Though they may miss his physicality a but, they sure as hell won't miss his "offense".

Such a frustrating player.

Had a rough first period last night (the whole team did) but was one of the best Flames on the ice against the Sharks, including his play in the offensive zone.

They are a better team with him in the lineup, so really he shouldn't sit out.

[bluck]

I can already sense a Mike Smith tire fire upcoming

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Vansmack

...If we can survive the first, I think we have a great chance, but Boston has been rolling and must have some confidence after their comeback win against the Hawks.

Have they? The Bruins have a 6-4 record in their last ten games, and an 8-7 record in the last month. They have virtually split their home-games over that period, which isn't great, and hardly what I would call "rolling."

[sureLoss]

According to flames website it is actually Mangiapane that might draw in.

Head coach Bill Peters said there is a chance Andrew Mangiapane could draw into the lineup if he's medically cleared to play but for the time being plans to ice the same lineup that beat the Red Wings 5-3 in Detroit Wednesday night.

To activate Mangiapane off IR a roster move needs to be made. Flames are at 23 players.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by transplant99

It should be Bennett coming out.

Has he ever watched from the press box without being injured? What could it hurt letting him observe for a game? Though they may miss his physicality a but, they sure as hell won't miss his "offense".

Such a frustrating player.

I wouldn't choose a Boston game as a message game for Bennett. If things get heated you want that guy on the bench.

He didn't play well last night for sure, and his lack of production is still an issue, but he's been pretty consistent since the third period of the loss in Edmonton (sorry)

And I wouldn't say they won't miss his offence ... he is 7th amongst forwards for scoring this year so this isn't a replacement level player we are discussing.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Split98

Czarnik with an opportunity to get the season going against his old team hopefully is good news. We could really use what he's supposed to be bringing - and Peters all but called that out in his post-game last night (expect depth scoring to play vs Boston as it didn't vs Detroit)

Treliving and Peters both spoke about Czarnik's abilities on the PP when he was signed. PP2 could use some kind of spark so hopefully he can bring it.

I'm expecting CGY to be pretty energized to play this game with the number of local area attachments (college guys etc).

BOS is an extremely good team especially at home so it will take CGY's best effort. They just have to be ready to battle right from the beginning and the depth of the team has a chance to show their value. Looking to see them compete hard and play their hearts out defensively tonight. CGY has shown they can win any style of game and you can tell they have just incredible belief in themselves so I'm excited to see them show it tonight.

GFG!!!

[Bonded]

I am already in can't win them all mode.
Will be surprised with a win.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Split98

Czarnik with an opportunity to get the season going against his old team hopefully is good news. We could really use what he's supposed to be bringing - and Peters all but called that out in his post-game last night (expect depth scoring to play vs Boston as it didn't vs Detroit)

If Peters is interested in sending a message around secondary scoring, he should have his guy Ryan watch PP2 from the bench.

[Toonage]

As not to be all doom & gloom in this thread from me:

First game off the Winter Classic for Boston, they may be a little less prepared tonight or a little sleepy off the start. Good time as any for the Flames to get the early jump.

[Matata]

Smith's first 11 games: 3.36gaa, 0.859 sv%, 5 wins
Smith's last 11 games: 2.18gaa, 0.896 sv%, 7 wins

Though his save percentage is still terrible, stats have improved dramatically.

2.18gaa would put him at 2nd in the league for that stat. More of a testament to the team playing in front of him, but that must be why I no longer wince whenever the puck goes anywhere near him.

[The Yen Man]

I'm also really pessimistic of this one. I think it's going to be a Bruins beatdown, 9-4 for the Bruins. Please prove me wrong Smith.