[PGT] Flames banish the Wild 3-2 in the shootout!

[MisterJoji]

It's easy to forget that this is essentially Bennett's sophomore season and that the sophomore slump isn't just an urban legend. He's got too much talent and drive to be a bust, he'll put it all together, might take him a little longer than expected but he's going to be a really really good player.

[gallione11]

Undermentioned thing of late is the PK improvement. I've noticed they've been a tad more aggressive, but not overly so, and the puck support has been fantastic. When there's a chance we might gain possession in a board scrum, I notice a second PKer comes close in for support. There we a few occasions of it tonight where a scrum on the boards netted the puck for us and a quick 4 foot pass to the support guy and it is out of the zone.

Also, they've been great at taking the down low cross crease pass that killed them in the first few weeks.

[wired]

One of the best birthday presents ever. Had a great night. Now for the slightly hung over drive back up North.

[FBI]

Bennett is playing with Stajan and Chiasson(lol). What do you expect?

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

I don't disagree with anyone who says be patient with Bennett and to remember this is only year 2 for him. He plays the toughest position (or they'd like him to) as well.

What I do think is funny though is watching the difference how a large % of the fan base reacts or interprets what goes on out there when it comes to Monahan and Bennett and their development. While I think their "styles of play" impact it a little, I actually think it mostly has to do with everyone's preconceived opinions at draft time, that they simply won't let go, despite having lots if NHL data now to go on.

What I'm getting at, is even if you took away this seasons struggles, this board on average has far more confidence in Bennett becoming our #1 centre of the future than Monahan. Despite the fact that at like for like time frames in their NHL development Monahan is has actually accomplished and shown far more at the NHL level. Yet many are very quick to credit Johnny for all his success (despite not playing with Johnny in his first year) and quick to excuse away Bennett's lack of progress due to lack of opportunity, line mates or coaching.

I think all comes down to the fact that people want people to be who they expected them to be when drafted, despite what the evidence might be showing. For many, Bennett was a 4th overall pick, but we really want to believe he should have actually been first overall if it weren't for chin ups and we got a steal in the draft. Monahan was 6th overall, and not even the consuls 6th pick.

I feel like people's opinions for both these players are still drastically impacted by the above, despite a decent amount of NHL play to observe.

[Strange Brew]

Nice win by the Flames. They have made things interesting at the very least, so wins mean something for the next while. Still in a hole because any kind of dry spell would just bury them.

I understand the angst and emotion over Monahan and Bennett. For this team to be a legit contender they will have to be very good. If they don't develop into exceptional centers going to be hard to find another one.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I don't disagree with anyone who says be patient with Bennett and to remember this is only year 2 for him. He plays the toughest position (or they'd like him to) as well.

What I do think is funny though is watching the difference how a large % of the fan base reacts or interprets what goes on out there when it comes to Monahan and Bennett and their development. While I think their "styles of play" impact it a little, I actually think it mostly has to do with everyone's preconceived opinions at draft time, that they simply won't let go, despite having lots if NHL data now to go on.

What I'm getting at, is even if you took away this seasons struggles, this board on average has far more confidence in Bennett becoming our #1 centre of the future than Monahan. Despite the fact that at like for like time frames in their NHL development Monahan is has actually accomplished and shown far more at the NHL level. Yet many are very quick to credit Johnny for all his success (despite not playing with Johnny in his first year) and quick to excuse away Bennett's lack of progress due to lack of opportunity, line mates or coaching.

I think all comes down to the fact that people want people to be who they expected them to be when drafted, despite what the evidence might be showing. For many, Bennett was a 4th overall pick, but we really want to believe he should have actually been first overall if it weren't for chin ups and we got a steal in the draft. Monahan was 6th overall, and not even the consuls 6th pick.

I feel like people's opinions for both these players are still drastically impacted by the above, despite a decent amount of NHL play to observe.

Bennett outproduced Monahan in their respective first years. In the NHL.
Bennett in his second year is outproducing Monahan in his fourth. In the NHL.
Bennett is playing 3rd line LW while Monahan is getting gifted offensive zone starts /top six minutes down the middle with Versteeg/Gaudreau all season.

Not that any of these things mean anything. Bennett's development is going to crap as 3rd line LW. He is now trying his hardest to be Lance Bouma, just happy to get a change off the ice.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by FBI

Bennett is playing with Stajan and Chiasson(lol). What do you expect?

Exactly. So you're agreeing that his development is somewhat stunted right now?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by FiveSeven

Lol Hamilton leading the team in shots by a decent margin.

Not for long, rumour is that we're trading that bum!

[FBI]

Originally Posted by Justin

Exactly. So you're agreeing that his development is somewhat stunted right now?

Well I think the coach is going for wins right now. Don't think he'll be in that position forever.

[heep223]

Monahan is already an exceptional C. He is a tier below the elite guys in the West with potential to become that.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Bennett outproduced Monahan in their respective first years. In the NHL.
Bennett in his second year is outproducing Monahan in his fourth. In the NHL.
Bennett is playing 3rd line LW while Monahan is getting gifted offensive zone starts /top six minutes down the middle with Versteeg/Gaudreau all season.

Not that any of these things mean anything. Bennett's development is going to crap as 3rd line LW. He is now trying his hardest to be Lance Bouma, just happy to get a change off the ice.

What?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by FBI

Bennett is playing with Stajan and Chiasson(lol). What do you expect?

Sean Monahan played with Sven Baertschi and Lee Stempniak, Curtis Glenncross and David Jones etc. Someone young players will have less then ideal linemates, it's fine.

Bennett is tied for 2nd on our team in points, the entire team is struggling. Another hot streak will get his point totals up.

[agulati]

Versteeg is looking like such a good signing. He is solidifying our top six. Can't wait to have Gaudreau back to see how Gaudreau-Monahan-Versteeg will look

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by FiveSeven

Lol Hamilton leading the team in shots by a decent margin.

Not such a big accomplishment when there two of them

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Prepare to be shocked then because there is almost zero chance Tkachuk doesn't get suspended for a clear head butt.

I haven't been able to find it to watch again, but at the time I thought Tkachuk got whacked and just upped his head - "accidentally" banging whoever it was he was beside. Would love to rewatch. No ref action on the play and they were right there IIRC.

[flamesrule_kipper34]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

It wasn't a knockout, it wasn't a flash knockout, you're talking gibberish. He dove. It's okay to admit when one of your players, your captain does. Giordano has been one of the biggest divers in Calgary for years now. This is nothing new. Watch the play again and again and again if you must.

I completely agree with last night.

But biggest divers in Calgary for years, really?

I honestly have not thought of Giordano as a perennial diver, where is this coming from?

[neo45]

Best home game of the year by far. Still hate how misused TJ Brodie is.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by flamesrule_kipper34

I completely agree with last night.

But biggest divers in Calgary for years, really?

I honestly have not thought of Giordano as a perennial diver, where is this coming from?

Gio has always been a bit of an embellisher. I distinctly remember myself and many on this board starting to express frustration when Tanguay and Gio started making blatant dives a thing on our team at the same time as we were lambasting Vancouver for theirs.

[btimbit]

Yeah. Gio doesn't do it often, but he does do it. Wish he'd knock it off