[PGT] Flames Lose 2-0 to Leafs

[djsFlames]

I have a positive outlook on the bigger picture, but I am not optimistic for the fate of the season. There aren't enough signs of an imminent rounding the corner. A lot of old habits deeply ingrained in their game. They are just not very dangerous with the puck due to low confidence.

Working through immaturity and inconsistency rooted in wavering confidence takes time and repetition of Sutter's philosophy to become their game.

And it also takes agreeing to commit to it. I see signs in some of the players of that, for others I see them sinking back into their old ways.

The one nice thing is if there's any coach I could be wrong about in regards to short term improvement its Sutter. He's done a lot with a small runway before. Hopefully we see more signs of an overall uptick in play from them in the coming weeks.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by GordonBlue

but if you have a true dynamic duo, you should be able to plug in almost anyone.
works for every other dynamic duo in the league.

Well this dynamic duo has a problem, a very glaring problem since almost their inception. They might be one of the best run and gun duos of their era, but that’s sort of it, they’re a one trick pony. If you defend them well on the rush, then you’ve basically shut them down. It’s probably the single biggest reason why they can get it done in the playoffs because rush scoring is one of the first things that gets taken away.

This duo is so predictable and every team knows how to beat them now. This organization has never found the answer to help alleviate or fix this problem and now their inability to produce at even strength is the worst we’ve ever seen. I honestly don’t know if I’m more mad that the problem has been exacerbated with their poor player choices/acquisitions recently or that they didn’t recognize the problem sooner and trade the duo when their value was at its absolute peak.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

Every other dynamic duo in the league with the exception of the super elite have better options as the third player on the line. Only Patrick Kane, Crosby and McDavid have to carry anyone close to the level of player that the Flames often shove on Monahan’s RW. The other dynamic duos (scheifele and wheeler, Matthews and Marner, MacKinnon and Landeskog) play with players who are significantly better than Ritchie, Simon or Leivo.

Toronto’s “utility” wingers are Simmonds, Galchenyuk, Thornton, Spezza, Mikhayev and Hyman. I’d put any one of those guys on the top line in Calgary and get better results.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Toronto’s “utility” wingers are Simmonds, Galchenyuk, Thornton, Spezza, Mikhayev and Hyman. I’d put any one of those guys on the top line in Calgary and get better results.

I was kind of surprised how good that Thornton and Spezza line looked. This was a Toronto only perk for the Leafs as there's no way Spezza and Thornton are signing in Calgary or any other team for that matter.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Toronto’s “utility” wingers are Simmonds, Galchenyuk, Thornton, Spezza, Mikhayev and Hyman. I’d put any one of those guys on the top line in Calgary and get better results.

Hyman would look particularly good.


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[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

Hyman would look particularly good.


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I’d like to see what Mikhayev could bring in a bigger role. Kid has wheels. And Hyman always surprises me. Plus, the joke potential.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Toronto’s “utility” wingers are Simmonds, Galchenyuk, Thornton, Spezza, Mikhayev and Hyman. I’d put any one of those guys on the top line in Calgary and get better results.

Do you still think Johnny and Sean can be play drivers? Even with someone like Hyman? (Genuine question)

I’m struggling to see it as a possibility at this point. It’s just been such a long time since they’ve been effective even strength players - not productive, but just effective. It’s been a really ugly two years for that duo.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Do you still think Johnny and Sean can be play drivers? Even with someone like Hyman? (Genuine question)

I’m struggling to see it as a possibility at this point. It’s just been such a long time since they’ve been effective even strength players - not productive, but just effective. It’s been a really ugly two years for that duo.

This year I have come to the conclusion that you don’t go far with those two at the centre of your team (frankly if you call Lindholm/Tkachuk/Dube the first line ).

I do think they would be better, and maybe Calgary is a PO caliber team, with a better RW to improve top line production. Better is a really low bar at this point.

[Tsawwassen]

Post game links
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...cap134079.html
https://scores.nbcsports.com/nhl/rec...=03&final=true