Notes from Dec 30 practice - Raymond likely scratched against the Oilers

[CsInMyBlood]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I think you could flip a coin between Raymond and Byron right now, as both are not producing and both should be in the press box.

I don't agree. If Raymond isn't scoring, he isn't helping the team in any other way.

If Byron isn't scoring at least he is doing other things on the ice, including killing penalties.

The last 10 games (Since Raymond came back from injury)

Points: Raymond: 0, Byron 1.

Raymond: Hits: 2
Byron: Hits: 16

Raymond: Giveaways: 4
Byron: Giveaways: 2

Raymond: Takeaways: 1
Byron: Takeaways: 11

[Resolute 14]

Actually, Raymond made several solid defensive plays in the third period last night. It was, however, only one period and not nearly enough to avoid a night eating popcorn. It is also unfair to say that Raymond doesn't offer anything when he isn't scoring though.

[FlameZilla]

Giving some thought to line combinations, Raymond probably needs to be playing further up the lineup to be effective. Not that his play has been deserving of a promotion, but I'd look at pairing him with a top 6 player like Monahan to see if he can get the best out of him. Having Backlund return really frees Monahan up to be one of our main weapons again.

If we keep the Mighty Mouse line together with Gaudreau/Granlund/Hudler firing on all cylinders, and slotted Backs onto the shutdown line with Glencross and Jones, this would free up Monahan to play between Raymond and Colborne as a decent 2nd line.

Gaudreau Granlund Hudler
Raymond Monahan Colborne
Glencross Backlund Jones
Bouma Stajan Jooris/Byron
Bollig/Grats

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

I don't agree. If Raymond isn't scoring, he isn't helping the team in any other way.

If Byron isn't scoring at least he is doing other things on the ice, including killing penalties.

The last 10 games (Since Raymond came back from injury)

Points: Raymond: 0, Byron 1.

Raymond: Hits: 2
Byron: Hits: 16

Raymond: Giveaways: 4
Byron: Giveaways: 2

Raymond: Takeaways: 1
Byron: Takeaways: 11

Good stats.

Raymond is worse.

[Stay Golden]

Raymond prior to his injury was working hard putting up points and mattered.
Since his return he has looked slow, timid and uncertain of his place on the team.
Hartley has put him on the ice not only in a regular rotation but given him PP and PK time as well.
Raymond hasn't returned to form like he was in October. Like the coaching staff hoped he would. Maybe being a healthy scratch will give him the motivation he needs to be an asset to the team like he was.

[lanny9]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

Giving some thought to line combinations, Raymond probably needs to be playing further up the lineup to be effective. Not that his play has been deserving of a promotion, but I'd look at pairing him with a top 6 player like Monahan to see if he can get the best out of him. Having Backlund return really frees Monahan up to be one of our main weapons again.

If we keep the Mighty Mouse line together with Gaudreau/Granlund/Hudler firing on all cylinders, and slotted Backs onto the shutdown line with Glencross and Jones, this would free up Monahan to play between Raymond and Colborne as a decent 2nd line.

Gaudreau Granlund Hudler
Raymond Monahan Colborne
Glencross Backlund Jones
Bouma Stajan Jooris/Byron
Bollig/Grats

Second line is too soft imo, I would switch one of the wingers from 2nd & 3rd lines

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by lanny9

Second line is too soft imo, I would switch one of the wingers from 2nd & 3rd lines

Every line there looks soft.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

This accountability is so refreshing. It seems like the worst player on the ice eventually is getting benched /sent down reliably. Unfortunately I was a huge fan of Raymond at the start of the season and hope he returns to that form.

I was coming in to say just this.. I feel like Calgary got a rep as a place to go collect a pay cheque for a lot of vets over the years.. and now it is a place you go to work your ass off.

I love the roster competition, nothing could serve as greater motivation.