[PGT] Flames 4 - Senators 2 - We Win!

[TheDebaser]

Gaudreau is playing like he's in a hurry again. He needs to be a bit more comfortable with the puck imo. That's fine, he just needs a little more confidence, which is to be expected from a young player.

I think other teams have noticed him and have started getting guys to close the gap a little quicker too. Gaudreau should be used to that by now though, considering that was pretty much every teams plan in college. He'll work through it.

[GioforPM]

Hmmm , I thought the opposite. He's holding the puck a lot more than he used to. The Coyotes game (I think) he held the puck forever before shipping it to Monahan for a goal. Yesterday his setups for Hudler were patient as well, considering the time and space he had.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Psytic

Anyone see parallels between the Granlund and Koivu brothers. We got Mikko they got Saku.

Had that exact discussion with a friend yesterday

[Calgary4LIfe]

I do think that Gaudreau has been guilty of too many giveaways lately - some terrible passing that seems to be read by the opposing team and picked off easily. I think I mentioned it a couple of games ago (or was it the last game?). However, I am not too worried about it. Gaudreau is hustling out there and playing hard, he works hard in trying to make up for the giveaways, and he is also doing a good job of creating offence out there. Just one of those lulls in a player's development I think. Just needs to work through it.

Sven has been getting better and better. Maybe it was the virus. Maybe it was just nerves. I think the biggest difference with Sven is being paired with two guys with non-stop hustle and compete. Sven kind of 'faded' a bit, but still played a fairly good game. His first period was very good - I would argue that line was the only line that was really making any sort of offensive buzz in the first, and were for the most part still good defensively. I think I have said this a few times - hustle and compete (especially doing both consistently) is the biggest knock to Sven's game. When he hustles more, he competes more, and he becomes a much more dynamic and dangerous player out there. Really great to see him start getting more success, and you can just see him smiling more - definitely has been a huge load off his shoulders. Hopefully he will pot a few goals himself to further encourage him.

It doesn't matter if you are positive about Sven, or negative - if Baertschi develops anywhere close to what the Flames thought he might get to, he will be a very big and very important piece to this franchise moving forward. If he fails, it won't be the end of the world, but even with the Flames' recent drafting and development, there are still few prospects that have this much talent and ability organizationally.

Jooris has come to symbolize this season for me. Just never say die. Just go out there and compete as hard as you can, learn as much as you can, and you will be successful.

I am glad Bouma worked with a skills coach this off-season - looks like it is really starting to pay off.

Granlund is an NHL'er. A legit NHL'er. The guy drives possession, is so good defensively, has the poise of a veteran out there, and is such a dynamic player - can score either through pure sniping, through fancy dekes or through just jamming the net. I am still in awe over his first game of the season on the Flames where he decided to move the puck to Hudler in the crease instead of just jamming the net with the puck. That tells you how smart and how fast he thinks the game. Then you see him make defensive plays like he was some sort of defensive specialist.

What happened with Giordano was scary. I was hoping he was ok, and glad to see him come out in the 2nd. I couldn't help think that "Is this when the wheels come off?" Hopefully we will never know how the Flames manage to cover up for any length of absence by the captain.

Finally, Byron. I remember the Regehr trade, and being so disappointed. Without delving into it, I was hoping for Byron to make an impact. I have always liked him from watching him play, but I had some serious doubts he would ever make it. Funny thing is, you watch him play and he is super talented out there. Using the time-worn cliches like "stickhandles in phone booth" - he does this. He is such a complete player. Other than being small, does this kid have a single hole in his game? I really can't find it. I think even on his breakaways, he has been extremely unlucky on them - he has a pretty good shot and he has some great moves, but the goalies have been lucky. Was really great to finally see him score on one of his 'regular' breakaways. Along with Jooris, Byron has come to symbolize the Flames for me this year - never say die! Never thought he would develop enough to become an NHL'er, and I especially thought it was over for him after the injuries. Thought "Well, he is a good kid to have to help our upcoming talent in the AHL develop." (which I feel is such an important thing to have organizationally anyways). Byron is simply the perfect hockey player out there that does so many things exceptionally well.

[Roof-Daddy]

Granlund reminds me of Langkow. So smart, awesome defensively and just quietly puts up offensive numbers.

When all is said and done, that 2011 draft is going to be very high on the list of all time Flames drafts IMO.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I get that Smid and Engelland both bring that size/physicality/toughness element to the team, and they both seem like great team guys and all that, but they are IMO a real weak spot on this roster.

They are both really slow, and have a terrible time moving the puck up the ice in a way that the Flames can retain possession.

I'd love to see one of them moved out, ideally Smid, and bring Wotherspoon up. Tyler has good size and is no shrinking violet, and he's also a good skater with some puck moving ability.

I doubt that will happen anytime soon, but it's something I hope management is thinking about. IMO there is no way both Smid and Engelland should finish their current three year contracts in a Flames uniform.

I disagree. I think we need them both as long as they are healthy. I think we need a pairing out there who will get physical on opposing forwards and hit them hard in the first two periods. I want them to be worn down for the third when our top 4 is getting most of the ice. I don't care if they take roughing, or charging, or boarding penalties. I want a message that if you sniff near our goalie, you're getting a glove to the face.

I think they do this well. I am not expecting them to put up many points. I want them to play physical against the bottom 9 of the opposing team and really lay on the body. Both can make a reasonable outlet pass as well. They aren't perfect, but they are what they are - a veteran bottom d-pairing.

Wotherspoon will be on the team later this year I have no doubt. He'll supplant Diaz once a space opens up for regular rotation here. There isn't much value having him here and sitting in the press box all season.

[GioforPM]

Flames definitely need a physical defenceman. They should be alive to an upgrade on what they've got but they shouldn't be in any rush - the two they've got will do for now.