So, is Cervenka liking the NHL?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

We need to get Jagr.......then we'd be laughing ......Butler, Comeau and ?........ To the stars for Jagr

Then the Czeching line would be complete......

I watched the Dallas/Calgary game in Czech last week and there was definitely a lot of exhuberance any time Jagr, Hudler, Cervenka or Horak were near the play. If we somehow acquired Jagr, they'd probably have to start importing more Flames sweaters to the Czech Republic.

[Stay Golden]

I would rather see Cervenka back with Huddler again, they have undeniable chemistry. Now with Sven back those 3 should be together. Comeau being in that line is absurd.
He ruined several developing plays the past 2 games.
Yes Cervenka needs to be in better conditioning but playing on the 4th line is nonsense.

[neo45]

Hartley's line combinations are confusing to say the least. It is almost as if he knows they are going to fail and that he will have to juggle them throughout the game. I have no idea what Comeau has done in practice to earn so many chances. Cervenka has been good for this team, when his conditioning is up to par he will be a very good player.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

I would rather see Cervenka back with Huddler again, they have undeniable chemistry. Now with Sven back those 3 should be together. Comeau being in that line is absurd.
He ruined several developing plays the past 2 games.
Yes Cervenka needs to be in better conditioning but playing on the 4th line is nonsense.

Yes, I agree Comeau sucks offensivly, he should be on the 4th line of the press box. He kills the play almost every time he touches the puck between hudler and baertschi.

[killer_carlson]

Cervenka has talent and needs to play with talent.

Hudler hasnt been great since cervenka has moved off of that line.

Put them together and let them play.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Cervenka has talent and needs to play with talent.

Hudler hasnt been great since cervenka has moved off of that line.

Put them together and let them play.

Yes. And put Sven with them as well.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Yes. And put Sven with them as well.

But then you'd have to play someone at centre who isn't a centre!

Oh wait..

[Stanley]

Just goes to show you how p**s poor management is for not getting us more bonafide centers on the roster...Don't blame Hartley, he was given this roster to juggle around...

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Stanley

Just goes to show you how p**s poor management is for not getting us more bonafide centers on the roster...Don't blame Hartley, he was given this roster to juggle around...

True, but Hartley isn't exactly fault free here. Too many times we've seen a skilled player on the 4th line this year just wasting away. Hudler - Cervenka - Baertshi seems like an obvious line to everyone but the people who get to decide on the lines. Or at least if they don't want Cervenka there, then Stajan would do fine. Just not Comeau, as he kills off any potential offensive plays his line creates.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Cervenka has talent and needs to play with talent.

Hudler hasnt been great since cervenka has moved off of that line.

Put them together and let them play.

I agree. This forward bunch are piss poor defensively. Hartely can try any combination of players from this roster and it will not change. He might as well go all out with a Cervenka hudler Sven line and try to out score the opponents.

[Knalus]

My impression: Cervenka wasn't a center when he was getting the first few games. They were testing him to see if he could cut it in the NHL, and he likely passed that test.

Second test - is he a center. They'll put him on a line with fewer shifts, to get a feel for him at center. If he passes this test (and maybe even if he doesn't), then he'll head up to a more skilled line.

My guess as to what is happening.

[DeluxeMoustache]

^^ Agreed. My understanding on the typical Czech style of play/ systems within which they are raised is that the centers generally do not have as much defensive responsibility. I think they are looking for him to shore up his game without the puck, show some compete and better decision making.

[CSharp]

Should ask him in Czech if Comeau-ver should be sitting where he's sitting for the past 2 games or so. I think that'll answer both questions.

[Envitro]

Plus, get rid of Comeau. The play dies on his stick every time he is involved. He can circle around the net all he wants but as soon as he makes a pass or tries to shoot it's a rush the other way.

Cervenka needs to play with skilled guys like Tanguay, Hudler, Baertschi etc. Even Stajan had awesome chemistry with him and Hudler.

I've seen some strange usage of talent so far this season

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

I would rather see Cervenka back with Huddler again, they have undeniable chemistry. Now with Sven back those 3 should be together. Comeau being in that line is absurd.
He ruined several developing plays the past 2 games.
Yes Cervenka needs to be in better conditioning but playing on the 4th line is nonsense.

I had these exact same thoughts watching the game yesterday.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

^^ Agreed. My understanding on the typical Czech style of play/ systems within which they are raised is that the centers generally do not have as much defensive responsibility. I think they are looking for him to shore up his game without the puck, show some compete and better decision making.

At 3 minutes a game ice time he'snot going to get much of a chance to show much.

[Stay Golden]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

At 3 minutes a game ice time he'snot going to get much of a chance to show much.

exactly right Cervenka can't really get into any sort of a groove with that little of ice time or even if it was reg 4th line min. He needs to play with linemates that compliment his skill set and vice versa.
I support 90% or so of Hartley's decision making but this one he is off the mark on.

[c.t.ner]

From the article (and Google Translate)

In addition to the consequences of failure, thrombosis and training with Robin must also popasovat with separation from his wife and month-old son, with a different style of play with language and cultural barriers.

After reading that, I'm really hoping he tears it up on this road trip and solidifies a spot in the line-up. I understand that he's an older player, but a rookie with 7 points in 13 games is a pretty solid pick-up.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Stay Golden

I support 90% or so of Hartley's decision making but this one he is off the mark on.

Yeah, same. I like Hartley thus far but he's way off the mark on Cervenka... and Comeau (how does that guy rate more icetime?).

[OzSome]

You have to remember the guy is playing out of position because Hartley wanted him to learn the NHL more before he put him back on his natural position, which is a centre position. Give the guy time.