[PGT] Flames lose 11th consecutive season opener. 4-3 Jets (OT)

[Inferno]

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

I don’t think there’s much more to discuss than Gaudreau and Monahan. This team goes as they go, that’s it. Bottom line.

It’s not coaching or goaltending or lines 2-4, and it’s not the D.

It’s Gaudreau and Monahan.

Not dangerous, not doing what’s needed. Drive to the net... get in front of the net... my personal favourite- GET OPEN. Specifically here are plays that need to expire from Gaudreau’s mind:

-shots from 20 feet out
-shots from 30 feet out
-slap shots from a bad angle at 20 feet out
-button hooks

Gaudreau used to be shifty. Hard to predict. Now he’s the most predictable player on the team. He also needs somebody to pass to, to support him. So if Monahan isn’t interested or can’t be in position for those passes- you have to change the outlet pass player.

Not hard. They need to break them apart, and then yes lastly, they have to care more. But they won’t and we have known this for several years so get ready for the same thing we have seen the last year and a half. These guys got paid- now they don’t have to care. The end.

Yeah it's the constant "Johnny slowing down the play" when he enters the zone that is a big problem. i don't know how to fix it.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Yeah it's the constant "Johnny slowing down the play" when he enters the zone that is a big problem. i don't know how to fix it.

Have someone else carry the puck. At this point something has got to give.

[MillerTime GFG]

My thoughts the morning after...

We have a solid D-core. Really like it moving forward and would love to see the young guys slowly take the reigns from Gio.



We have depth up front, and four "pretty good" lines/ Unfortunately, we have no game breakers. JG and Monny are complete passengers 5v5 (well documented). Looking at every other Canadian team, outside of maybe MTL and Ottawa, they all have at least one or two. You need a game breaker in this league, and we just don't have it. Love Chucky and Lindy, as they're both great players, but they too are not game breakers.


And I don't like the "cue the overreactions" comments. It's not an overreaction; we have a huge sample size for our core. We are headed for another mediocre season, and I think we'll be in tough to make playoffs in this division. I could see us finishing 5th.

[Rollin22x]

This game started out so good and then almost everyone forgot how to move a puck up the ice. So many passes to guys that were covered and had no choice but dump it. After the first the Flames only had a few players that were willing to race for the puck. Way too many hope and a prayer blind passes (like Lucic's) with no plan at all.
I hope Markstrom doesn't make a habit out of getting caught out of the net or playing the puck so close to the trapazoid. He clearly noticed that his teammates were being outskated to our end.
Once the Jets ramped up their forecheck on the Flames, that's all it took to throw the Flames off their game. No adjustment at all.
Not happy with Johnny resorting to slap shots instead of using his above average edge work to make a move around a defenceman.

[OmegaV4]

Game was good, jinxed it too early on(my bad.)

Mostly have take aways from the Sportsnet side:

Had to switch over to the TSN feed because there seemed to be a video feed delay, and the PBP was behind(Not sure if it was fixed.)

How bad do you have to be that the highlights on the SPORTSNET Youtube channel are from the TSN feed, and also, no highlight of the Markstrom save, except we gotta see 26 million dollar debt boy score a goal

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I gotta say, I really missed Brodie out there for the 3-on-3 gimmick. He was so good at that

Not anymore, you should watch the overtime on Wednesday.

[Red]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

With how this season is set-up, this is going to be a really good test for the coaching staff. I also don't have much faith in how the bench is constructed, but as always - it's not the only issue.

We can debate the depth players to the ends of the earth, but as long as the top players on this team continue to be disasters on the ice during even strength play this team is not going anywhere. Tkachuk and Lindholm started well, but they vanished. Monahan and Gaudreau were awful, again. You simply do not win when your top players don't get the job done, and putting up points on the power play is not nearly enough.

Johnny Gaudreau:
SF%: 41.67
xGF%: 35.52
SCF%: 37.50
HDCF%: 33.33

Sean Monahan:
SF%: 38.46
xGF%: 33.39
SCF%: 33.33
HDCF%: 33.33

They were actual disasters on the ice. They sucked. Top tier players usually don't dip this low, but look at that. Their GAF meter is disconnected from their boots. My patience with that duo as a fan has run out. Two calendar years of them being players that actively hurt the team.

Flames top players up front are very flawed.

Big C that can't skate or battle through traffic.
Most skilled player and play driver (cause big C can't skate with the puck) is tiny and easily intimidated.
Highest paid player and the teams future is a mucker that can't skate. Lidholm is the most complete player in the top 6.

They all contribute and get their points. Good players. But when the going gets tough they lack the "it" factor like a MacKinnon, McJesus, Schiffele Stamkos etc. All have a combination of speed, size and drive. All very skilled.

And Ward needs to find an answer when other teams adjust. The Jets slowed us in mid ice and dominated two periods.

Would like to see them upgrade on Monny. A playmaking C with size to compliment Johnny or Tkachuk because they can't do it on their own due to poor skating or size.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by OmegaV4

Game was good, jinxed it too early on(my bad.)

Mostly have take aways from the Sportsnet side:

Had to switch over to the TSN feed because there seemed to be a video feed delay, and the PBP was behind(Not sure if it was fixed.)

How bad do you have to be that the highlights on the SPORTSNET Youtube channel are from the TSN feed, and also, no highlight of the Markstrom save, except we gotta see 26 million dollar debt boy score a goal

It was never fixed! We'll see if this is an ongoing regional problem because no other games have had this problem. Tomorrow night's game is national.

[8sPOT]

The only real issue I had was the lack of emotion and jam from the team after the 1st period. It was as if they gave it all in the 1st and then had nothing left. The camera would scan the bench and the fellas looked like they were at a funeral, no talking, no yelling, nothing. Just dead eyes staring forward. That concerns me.

[Ashes]

I wasn't a fan of any of our RW last night, I think another shuffle is necessary as the team continue to find their way with no exhibition games.

Bring in Simon and try Bennett further up the lineup, this seems like the perfect time to put him in the top 6 for the next few games prior to the 6 day break IMO, plus I don't think we've seen enough of Tkachuk and Bennett together.

What I'd like to try:

Tkachuk - Lindholm - Bennett
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon
Mangiapane - Backlund - Dube
Lucic - Ryan - Leivo

[Flame On]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

I see it as both a bit of luck and skill.
The reality is Laine has one of the best releases in the game - so if he has a chance to get it off from a good area - it's dangerous.
What sucked was that Monahan really busted his ass to get back. And did a good job of trying to disrupt the opportunity. One of those examples of doing the right thing even though it led to a bad result.

Not sure what clip you watched, he hustled back and then lightly tapped/gave up, when he saw (Gio was it?) trying to engage. But maybe that's my "I frickin hate Monahan" glasses I have on.

[jaikorven]

Originally Posted by Flame On

Not sure what clip you watched, he hustled back and then lightly tapped/gave up, when he saw (Gio was it?) trying to engage. But maybe that's my "I frickin hate Monahan" glasses I have on.

Yup it was the glasses.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by VilleN

I'll be patient with Lucic especially, I think it will take him a few games to get into proper game shape... I think it is a little tougher for the big guys to get their legs going.

Agreed. In the meantime, maybe don't use him to start the period. Especially the 2nd period, where changes are harder, on the road, when you know the other team is going to have a push-back.

[Locke]

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

With how this season is set-up, this is going to be a really good test for the coaching staff. I also don't have much faith in how the bench is constructed, but as always - it's not the only issue.

We can debate the depth players to the ends of the earth, but as long as the top players on this team continue to be disasters on the ice during even strength play this team is not going anywhere. Tkachuk and Lindholm started well, but they vanished. Monahan and Gaudreau were awful, again. You simply do not win when your top players don't get the job done, and putting up points on the power play is not nearly enough.

Johnny Gaudreau:
SF%: 41.67
xGF%: 35.52
SCF%: 37.50
HDCF%: 33.33

Sean Monahan:
SF%: 38.46
xGF%: 33.39
SCF%: 33.33
HDCF%: 33.33

They were actual disasters on the ice. They sucked. Top tier players usually don't dip this low, but look at that. Their GAF meter is disconnected from their boots. My patience with that duo as a fan has run out. Two calendar years of them being players that actively hurt the team.

What were the numbers of every Canadian top line road teams' in their game 1's? Plus the raw chance numbers.

Would be interested to see comparison.

[Ashasx]

I really think Gaudreau and Monahan need to be separated ASAP. I don't foresee them correcting their problems with both of the them on the same line.

[bax]

Markstrom was solid and should only get better.

Defense looked good for the most part, wouldn't change anything there. Pleasantly surprised with Tanev.

I think you have to keep Bennett up with Backlund and Mangiapane after last night. He provided a real spark to that line. Dropping Ryan to the 4th line and getting him back at center should stabilize the 4th line a bit. Maybe even get Simon in there.

Monahan and Gaudreau need to be better at 5 on 5. I have no idea what has happened to these two, they used to be so good.

Tkachuk - Lindholm - Dube
Gaudreau - Monahan - Leivo
Bennett - Backlund - Mangiapane
Lucic - Ryan - Simon

Gio - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Valimaki - Nesterov

Markstrom

Now just find a way to build a deal around Monahan for PLD.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I really think Gaudreau and Monahan need to be separated ASAP. I don't foresee them correcting their problems with both of the them on the same line.

Yup, I just don't see how you break them up and keep some good lines.

Tkachuk and Monahan would be way too slow.

So you have to put Monahan on Backlund's wing and then Gaudreau to third line?

[Toonage]

Not sure where to put this, so I'll drop it here

Treliving coming right up on Hockeycentral at noon on Fan 590 Toronto

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