That gaudreau goal was insane! The deke through the dman was impressive enough... but to lift the puck top shelf on the backhand that quickly and at that angle? I've ever seen anything like that before.
Probably has a straighter blade than most making those kinds of backhands possible.
That was a lot of fun! Tough game defensively but I'm hoping we can turn that around. Ferland was my number one star, played very well for being out since December. If he can stay healthy I think he has a chance to make the team this year. He is such an exciting prospect!
Next two games I'd like to see more from klimchuk and smith!
Also shout out to the abbotsford fans behind me with the cowbell
Just back at the room after watching the game live. Great excitement, slow start, gelled as the game went on. Obviously watching Johnny go shelf right I front of me was the highlight, but saw some good things. hope to see some progression over the three games. Klimchuk was a dark horse for me, showed good work ethic, just didn't get a break. Going back to watch the coil vs. Canucks right away...... Met a few CP'ers that will be showcasing some great photos! cheers!
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Gaudreau looks like he's ready for camp, despite still being 10 pounds too light. The best player for the Flames.
Followed closely by Granlund. Man that guy makes a lot of smart plays. Should push for a roster spot this year, no doubt.
Ferland looked really good at times. Makes me think he has an NHL upside in the near future.
Kanzig was the only d-man of ours I liked tonight. Despite his lack of foot speed he really played positionally pretty well, cleared pucks and the front of the net regularly, and laid some big hits on guys. I'll say that Ramage's poise and desire to come back in the game impressed me, but he helped dig a big hole in the first place.
Really disappointed in Kulak, Culkin, Sieloff, and Roy, they all looked like they just weren't ready to play tonight. Hopefully it's only because it's the first action of the fall for them, and not because they can't prepare properly. I didn't see any reason any of them would make the Flames this year from this game though.
Bennett was just so-so. Made some nice plays here and there, and got lost in the shuffle at times. I assume it's rust and he'll get better as the tournament goes on. Smith was similar for me, but used his size pretty well throughout the game.
Nobody else really stood out in this game. It was pretty sloppy (to be expected) and got better as it went along. I hope we see a better representation of these players tomorrow night against the Oilers.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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Monahan was so so at the tournament last year. First few games of the year it's hard to draw much out of. Well, except that Gaudreau is ridiculous
I was listening to the Fan 960 yesterday and Kerr mentioned that Monahan had a meh first game of the tournament and looked much better in the 2nd game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bennett have a much better second game. (Not that he was bad tonight or anything though)
Great game. This is an awesome tournament to go to. Me and a buddy rolled up to buy tickets 10 minutes before game time, and ended up center ice with about the best seats in the house for $17.
Just like last year, Jooris impressed me a ton. Gaudreau was decent, great goal, but not dominant as I'd hoped. Ehlers and Petan impressed for Winnipeg.
BC Chris, pretty sure we were parked by you in the overflow lot. That's a good looking truck, assuming it was yours.
Next year Westjet should do well ferrying Calgarians out for this tournament. Doesn't hurt it was about the most beautiful day of the year.
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I was listening to the Fan 960 yesterday and Kerr mentioned that Monahan had a meh first game of the tournament and looked much better in the 2nd game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bennett have a much better second game. (Not that he was bad tonight or anything though)
I was bored a couple weeks ago and read through the entire threads from last year's Dev camp and tournament. The general consensus was he was solid if unspectacular, with a few people dating he didn't do very good. A bit better by the second game, but nothing impressive for the most part
It might be too early to say Patrick Kane after burning the D like that, but to go back-hand-across-the-body-forehand-side-under-blocker-arm is dirty like Gretzky.
what's awsome about it is he's so quick mentally that in slomotion you can see that he's a few moves ahead of everyone. The goalie doesn't even realize Johnny shot the puck until it was way too late, the dman moves to his right and Johnny already blew by on the other side with no chance to correct his mistake.
Very dangerous player that is visibly always thinking about how he can contribute, even backchecking turning odd man rushes into no scoring chance. Doubtful he is in Addy this year, he's too just so much faster than everyone else at decision making and will rarely get hit when he doesn't see it coming.
I was really impressed by a lot of the forward group especially... Gaudreau, granlund, Bennett, ferland, klimchuk, and jooris. The defence on both teams looked shaky for different parts of the game... Which is to be expected this early in a tournament like this. In fact, it could be seen throughout the tournament.
Johnny Hockey / Patrick Kane / Gretzky.
