I've never been sold on Irving. His development has been so up and down in his AHL career and has had periods where completely unproven goaltenders have taken over the team for extended periods of time. He did well for 2 seasons but then we see how Taylor and Brust (not blue chip prospects by any means) surpass him on the depth chart and post way better numbers...in the AHL.
I've watched Irving play for a few starts now and I see that he tries to be super-athletic to make up for the fact that he isn't sounds on most first shots and doesn't play positionally sound. He has the "happy feet" as they say and rarely looks set and calm for any shot. I don't know who's been coaching him, but they've ruined him. I have been hoping for so long for him to figure it out, but I think he's flat-lined in terms of progress. No way he's ever going to be a starter in the NHL, and now I'm not even sure he can be a backup.
IMHO, I think Ramo is going to get a chance next year to play more of a platoon role with Kipper...that is if Kipper returns.
Heads up to Brossoit, Ortio, Gillies, and even Taylor and Brust, there is a goaltending position available in Calgary. Start sharpening your skills!
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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Would have liked to see Taylor get a shot. There has to be a reason why Irving couldn't keep pucks out of the net in the AHL and Taylor had no problem accomplished that.
Would have liked to see Taylor get a shot. There has to be a reason why Irving couldn't keep pucks out of the net in the AHL and Taylor had no problem accomplished that.
Talyor was embarrased in Flames practice, he didnt stop a puck! Hence the deal for McDonald. Obviously not ready for an NHL game.
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It's actually the exact opposite of weird when you consider he was signed to a two-way contract on an emergency basis and then a veteran NHL back-up was claimed on waivers. I can't find a word so extremely opposite of "weird" that it describes how utterly normal and predictable Taylor getting sent down was.
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Well, count me in on one of the ones who really wanted to see what Taylor was like in an NHL game situation. The guy keeps posting consistently good numbers in the AHL, and hasn't ever got a REAL chance in the NHL to prove that he can do it at this level.
Irving got a shot only because he is a first round pick for the Flames. I don't 'hate' Irving, but he has consistently lost his starter position in the AHL almost every year, and though today was the only time you can argue he 'lost' a game for the Flames, he has looked shakey in every start regardless of how the team is playing in front of him.
I think MacDonald starts the next one, and if he doesn't get it done, back to Irving? Flip-flop until one of them starts doing better (or until Kipper gets back!).
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Eric Francis is a moron he's a lower form of fanboy then most members of this site who got into the Sun because his mommy was on the editorial board at one time.
He hasn't had true access to the Flames executive since his idiotic war with Darryl Sutter.
The only thing he was ever proficient at was writing reviews of hot tubs.
His mother is a very competent reporter and journalist, Francis likes pie.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
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Eric Francis is a moron he's a lower form of fanboy then most members of this site who got into the Sun because his mommy was on the editorial board at one time.
He hasn't had true access to the Flames executive since his idiotic war with Darryl Sutter.
The only thing he was ever proficient at was writing reviews of hot tubs.
His mother is a very competent reporter and journalist, Francis likes pie.
Taylor is so well regarded around the league and by the Flames that he had all of zero contract offers at the start of the season. His play was so good that it wasn't until an injury forced the Flames into an emergency situation where they needed a warm body to sit on the bench. The Flames thought so much of him that they grabbed a replacement as soon as possible and sent Taylor back down to avoid playing him.
It seems odd that so many people want to praise the management while at the same time are clamoring for a guy that they (and every other NHL team) has determined has no spot in the NHL and no upside in the future as well.
I am not sure whether it was his play in the practice but there is obviously something with Taylor that shows people that he can't play in the NHL.
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I think if McDonald was so highly coveted by the Flames, it's basically his job to lose right now. Give him the next few starts and if he can't carry the mail, give Irving another shot.
It's not so much Irving has been playing bad but if there is a perceived better option available, you give him a shot and see what he can do.
At this point, I don't care who it is -- would like to see someone get into a groove and start playing some solid hockey. Four and five goals against is obviously not going to get it done.
