[GDT] Flames @ Canadiens, 5:30 PM, MDT. Sportsnet Flames, Fan 960

[nik-]

Games against Pittsburgh and the Caps coming up back to back. Lets get these two points.

[Joborule]

Interesting that Rittich getting the start. I like it, and hopefully Rittich has another good game. He has an opportunity here.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by nik-

Games against Pittsburgh and the Caps coming up back to back. Lets get these six points.

Aim High.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Fire

They need to find out what they have with Rittich this season. The more games he plays the better. If Rittich can at least be a 1b next season it would be big for the Flames.

It should also be noted that Smith was brought here with 2 years left on his contract and was clearly a place holder until someone from within the organization stepped up to the plate. He was never going to be a long term solution in net. He was traded here so that it would buy the team time to see if they had an internal solution in net lying in wait. This meant being patient with Gillies, Rittich and the other prospects rather then tossing them to the wolves.

The Flames can't look at it as Smith is the #1 and Rittich the backup. That time has passed. IMO this is the year to transition it to a 1A/1B scenario. I get wanting to try to get Smith back on track to the level he can play. But counting on that to happen is a mistake, as he's older and Flames' goalies have a piss-poor record when they are in the final year of their contract.

You could say last season that Rittich wasn't ready for #1 duties so it made sense to ride Smith. But this season there is a much better team in front who can actually provide offensive support and sustain pressure on the other end. Now is actually the perfect time to transition Rittich to a 1B scenario, with the hopes he can become the 1A at some point.

[Strange Brew]

I would have started Smith but very excited to see how Rittich plays tonight. Hoping for more of a shut down game from Flames, with the top line carrying the play when they are on the ice.

Surprised after two less than wonderful games for the team that Czarnik hasn't drawn back in. I know many of us want him to be our Byron but he may not be bringing the tenacity that Peters wants to see from him. He doesn't have Gaudreau skills so he needs to play a different style of game.

[Hot_Flatus]

Peter's did the same thing, scrubbing a Rittich start after Smith had a great game in Nashville. He would lose all accountability if he didn't offer the same opportunity to Rittich after a great game.

Peters is a straight shooter, I'll give him that. I don't necessarily thing Rittich is suddenly our starter, but at least this gives merit to the notion the team realizes that Smith is likely not going to be able to play a true starters workload this year.

[Gaskal]

"Good job outduelling an elite goalie, kid. Have another Vezina candidate."

[Redliner]

Allez les Flames, Allez!!

[ThisIsAnOutrage]

I was hoping to see the Czarnivore draw back in tonight, he's got to be hungry for a goal. ready to devour the competition....

Fun fact: If the Flames can post a 5 spot against Montreal tonight, they will officially be the best offense in the league after 9 nine games with 35 GF. Washington, with 34 in 8, is likely to overtake them next game, but still! When was the last time the Flames were anywhere near the top of the league in goal scoring?

I think the boys can do it. 5-2 Flames, 1g 2a for Tkachuk, and the Real Deal puts one home!

Go Flames Go!

[Ryan Coke]

Peters doesn’t make the safe or conventional play, he continually makes decisions based on what he thinks will help the team win. Gully seemed far more concerned with doing anything unconventional, or in potentially upsetting any vets.

Peters ends up getting more respect because he does what he does to help the team win. Reminds me far more of Hartley.

[EVERLAST]

I love Peters and his meritocracy. I love it even more because it's leaving certain people just seething because they hate it.
This is how we keep guys motivated and enthusiastic about working harder to stay in the lineup.

I'm a big Neal fan but he needs to sit if he doesn't produce tonight in some way......like making Shaw spit some chiclets. ....Bennett and Tkachuk hopefully runnhim a few times .

Let's get this win fella's we needs the points .

Go Flames

[crapshoot]

Looking at that Montreal lineup it's pretty hard to grasp that Bergevin is still employed. What the heck did he do to that team?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by crapshoot

Looking at that Montreal lineup it's pretty hard to grasp that Bergevin is still employed. What the heck did he do to that team?

It's not unlike the situation in Calgary for years - a complete rebuild wasn't tolerated.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by troutman

Aim High.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by crapshoot

Looking at that Montreal lineup it's pretty hard to grasp that Bergevin is still employed. What the heck did he do to that team?

3rd in Atlantic? Only 1 regulation loss.

I dont disagree with you, but lets not look past them. They're not hot garbage.

I fully expect them to fall to earth at some point, but right now they're playing well.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

It's not unlike the situation in Calgary for years - a complete rebuild wasn't tolerated.

It's just that the Habs had the makings of a pretty solid core only a couple of seasons ago. Now it's virtually impossible to identify what the core really is. Price, sure, but who else? Gallagher? I don't know enough about the Habs right now to have a great opinion of where they are going, but it seems like the entire foundation they had has been scrapped and turned into complimentary pieces. It's pretty sad. Bergevin is chasing Chiarelli for the "worst GM" title.

[troutman]

Montréal n'est pas bon.

[TheIronMaiden]

Seven Things to Watch for Tonight

1. T.J. Brodie will be playing his 500th game as a Calgary Flame.
   
2. Mikael Backlund is one goal from passing Paul Reinhart and becoming 25th all time as a Flame.
   
3. Mark Giordano is one goal from tying Curtis Glencross at 23rd in all times Flames goals. Gio has 113 goals with the Flames.
   
4. David Rittich is 33 saves from passing Henrik Karlsson at the 26 spot in all times saves as a Flame
   
5. Sam Bennett tonight will tie Micheal Ferland in Games played as a Flame with 250 games putting them both at 78th all time. Making Micheal Ferland 79th all time.
   
6. Matthew Tkachuk is one point from tying Tim Hunter, Michael Nylander, and Kari Eloranta at 108 points as a Flame.
   
7. Michael Frolik is one assists from a career 200.

[crapshoot]

Originally Posted by Locke

3rd in Atlantic? Only 1 regulation loss.

I dont disagree with you, but lets not look past them. They're not hot garbage.

I fully expect them to fall to earth at some point, but right now they're playing well.

No, I agree with that, they need to be taken seriously for sure.

[habernac]

It's Julien's team now. Maybe Pacioretty and Galchenyuk were the problems. He's got them all on the same page now, that's for certain.