Let's talk about Jiri Hudler... - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

tvp2003 · 02-25-2013, 04:26 PM

Yes, his production has dropped off in the past couple of weeks -- he had some early chemistry with Cervenka and showed tremendous skill and hockey sense. I think the cold spell has been due to the constant line juggling by Hartley -- I think once he can gel with some consistent linemates (i.e. skill guys like Baertshi, not pluggers like Comeau), we should see him hit the scoresheet a lot more often.

However, I'm also curious about what he's like (i.e. personality-wise, but not in a stalker/Regehr shoe size way). Watching him in warmups yesterday, he was shooting pucks at kids against the glass with a devious little scowl/grin. Some internet searches reveal some interesting photos, some of which I've posted here (and some NSFW ones I haven't

). Seems like an interesting guy to say the least. We've got him signed for four years -- anyone know what this guy is all about?

Huntingwhale · 02-25-2013, 04:28 PM

I think once he finds some stability in his linemates, we will see him back to being an offensive force. He might have slowed down a bit recently, but the skill is still there. What do you expect when you play with freakin' Comeau on your line? It's very obvious he came from a strong organization in Detroit and it really shows in how he handles the puck.

He might be a smaller player, but he doens't seem soft like others have said. I've seen him lay out some hits and he doens't shy away from the corners.

I just wish Hartley would have kept him with Cervenka and Stajan. I know the coach likes to mix the lines up, but the chemistry between those 3 was undeniable. I hope once Cervenka is back in the lineup full time, that he sticks with Hudler.

killer_carlson · 02-25-2013, 04:29 PM

Can we also talk about his play since being seperated from Cervenka?

Good topic. I like Hudler more than i thought i would. I like his swagger as well. We miss a bit of that around here and it its Calgary's corporate community too.

What impresses me the most is his two way play and how responsible in the defensive zone. I still want to see him with Cervenka or Tanguay full time though.

Da_Chief · 02-25-2013, 04:30 PM

Looks like a guy who's enjoying his life. Good for him.

He's shown chemistry with both Sven and Roman. Need to get the trio together and producing so Roman can get his mind off all the external things.

Ark2 · 02-25-2013, 04:31 PM

Hudler idolized Messier growing up...

moon · 02-25-2013, 04:33 PM

From all reports in Detroit he was a streaky type guy with some skill but questionable work ethic/coachability.

Haven't heard the attitude reports out of the Flames so far but watching him even just from shift to shift he certainly seems to take shifts off and be less involved at times. He seems to be very good with the puck in the offensive zone but a little "floaty" at times outside of the zone and without the puck.

His hot start pointwise may have masked some overall average play and this is the guy he has been throughout most of his career 2/3rd liner.

kyuss275 · 02-25-2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Looks like a guy who's enjoying his life. Good for him.

He's shown chemistry with both Sven and Roman. Need to get the trio together and producing so Roman can get his mind off all the external things.

I agree. At the very least they should put Stempniak on that line if Cervenka remains in the dog house.

Redrum · 02-25-2013, 04:34 PM

He's on a line with Comeau. May as well be playing shorthanded in the offensive zone.

Da_Chief · 02-25-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyuss275

I agree. At the very least they should put Stempniak on that line if Cervenka remains in the dog house.

I don't think Cerevenka is in the doghouse. He's got way too many things going on.

-Foreign Country
-New language
-new born back at home
-bloob clot thing
-conditioning

From Hartley's last interview he understands everything he's going through and is just giving him time to work it all out.

Roof-Daddy · 02-25-2013, 04:37 PM

He's been fine.

He's cooled off, but that was expected IMO. Hudler wasn't and/or isn't going to be a point per game player.

dissentowner · 02-25-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon

From all reports in Detroit he was a streaky type guy with some skill but questionable work ethic/coachability.

Haven't heard the attitude reports out of the Flames so far but watching him even just from shift to shift he certainly seems to take shifts off and be less involved at times. He seems to be very good with the puck in the offensive zone but a little "floaty" at times outside of the zone and without the puck.

His hot start pointwise may have masked some overall average play and this is the guy he has been throughout most of his career 2/3rd liner.

The Debbie Downer of the board strikes again! I think Hudler has been a breath of energy on this team, even when he is not scoring he is trying to make things happen.

Five-hole · 02-25-2013, 04:41 PM

His play has suffered largely as a result of not having a center playing on his line. Not only is it three wingers playing together, but one has the puck skills of a cement truck. Backlund can't get back soon enough.

moon · 02-25-2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissentowner

The Debbie Downer of the board strikes again! I think Hudler has been a breath of energy on this team, even when he is not scoring he is trying to make things happen.

Feel free to address any issues raised rather than just whining because you see my name beside the post.

Poe969 · 02-25-2013, 04:57 PM

I actually like this guy. I'm not going t lie, I want a complete rebuild of the team but if we had to keep one "established" forward, it would be him. The guy can make plays out of almost nothing and seems like he's fun and would get along with a lot of younger players.

I wouldn't say he'd be captain material but he'd be a good "veteran presance" on a team that had all younger players and he'd be fun to watch too

dash_pinched · 02-25-2013, 05:17 PM

I like what Happy Hudler has brought to the Flames thus far...Sure, he's cooled off a little, but I like to call that the 'Comeau Effect'.

Stay Golden · 02-25-2013, 06:11 PM

Crazy photoshop with Messier.

Comeau is a terrible line mate for Hudler. He will only bring Hudlers point production down especially assists.

Erick Estrada · 02-25-2013, 06:13 PM

He and Cervenka had a few bad games and since Cervenka has been demoted he's looked less dangerous although he and Sven seem to have a bit of chemistry but as long as Blake "the eliminator" Comeau is riding shotgun on that line he and Sven aren't going to get any points.

roberts10 · 02-25-2013, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Can we also talk about his play since being seperated from Cervenka?

This.

gargamel · 02-25-2013, 06:27 PM

I do not recommend finding the non-cropped version of this photo, but Hudler seems to know how to have a good time.

NSFW!

Erick Estrada · 02-25-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gargamel

I do not recommend finding the non-cropped version of this photo, but Hudler seems to know how to have a good time.

NSFW!

What the heck? What's wrong with the non-cropped? Looks promising actually not that I could find anything googling.