[PGT] Growing pains continue! Flames still get a point!

[OzSome]

Unbelievable some of the posters around here. You were asking for rebuild and once they lost, blew the lead you wanted changes. Some people is asking for Hartley to get fired, some asking for Glencross traded, others asking for Russel move to the 3rd pairing, Monahan sent back to OHL. Oh some was even asking for the Flames to sign Bryz. Three games and Flames fans are getting restless already. To tell you the truth, i am surprised we have 4 points on the standing already and also surprised they were ahead of Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks in the game only to blow the lead and lost late in the 3rd period and OT. At the beginning, i thought they will start with 0-3 record but I guess I am wrong and happy to be wrong.
I love the resiliency and the work ethics of the Calgary Flames this early season. It is a bonus for me if they keep up the pace the whole game and heck the whole season. The kids are doing good and I am even impressed with Ben Street's play..although some people will disagree with me on this part. The only forward that is behind so far is Joe Colborne but to be fair to the guy, he's still learning the system and I see a lot of upsides on him when he gets the system. I like our top two pairings for D and I am hoping the Butler-O'Brien tandem gets better. They are actually playing well until the meltdown in the 3rd period.

This is going to be a long season for Flames fans and I am definitely ready for it. If they lose the way they've been competing early this season, i am okay with it. The only time I will get mad is when they play lazy game and it showed giving up early in the game.

[FBI]

My thoughts:
Liking the David jones pickup
Liking the kris Russell pickup (looks a bit like Brodie light as someone said)

Lovin the young kids.
Who were those clowns in the intermission? That was the worst / most unprofessional ever.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

A lot more positive then negative to take but always a sting to lose to the Canucks.

Not much else that can be added that I haven't said about Backlund and Monahan already but these two are going to make a dynamite one-two punch down the middle in short order in Calgary. Monahan being the higher pedigree prospect/player isn't going to take as long as Backlund to come around and when Backlund is 26 and Monahan is 20-21 Flames are in for a treat.

Don Taylor and Garry Valk and Eric Francis in the intermission? Thanks Sportsnet.

Line of the game - "Good one of the resume tape!" Thanks Rob Kerr.

Updated to show how much more crappy sportsnet is.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by getbak

It was nice to see that Monahan's parents were in the house to see him score.

It's also great that his "celly" was a simple arm raised over his head. Act like you've been there before, even when you haven't.

I hope he didn't leave any unfinished business in Ottawa.

I don't know. If he scored David Jones game tying goal with 40 seconds left he might have did a Fleury......... yeah right!

[Bertuzzied]

I'm some kinda sad. When was the last time Kipper gave up more than 4 goals or more in 3 straight games.

We didn't fully appreciate what we had for the past 9 years!!!! sniff sniff.

[polak]

I'm thrilled with how Backlund and Monahan are playing. It feels like they're always a threat. It's so reassuring to see that the players we need to emerge and become great if this rebuild is to be quick and successful are doing just that. I know it's still early but if Monahan continues to play like this for the next 6 games then I don't see how we could send him down. You don't send down one of your best players, regardless of contract. He's not going to learn anything by playing junior at this point imo.

Also, is facing the fans and pounding the glass a new Flames trademark celebration? Cause it's awesome. Loved how Backlund basically singled out a Canucks fan after that slick goal.

I love this team right now.

[Robo]

I honestly didn't think we would have 4 points in our first 10 games this is unreal some people are complaining remember the last couple years where we were struggling just to get a point in the first couple games and trying to claw our way back to relevancy around November.

[calumniate]

Good game. Third period aside, what I notice the most is how the flames are breaking out. They do the odd stretch pass which is fine, but more often than not they have a nearby outlet to transition. Some of their passes are going east to west across the rink, tape to tape. Awesome to see. Seems like the flames have much more balanced passing, rather than relying on Tanguay all the time.

Looks like it takes 60 minutes of energy to beat the Canucks. 'Nucks were very effective on the cycle in the third. Hudler was making some dangerous passes all night, but made a beauty tip to Backlund.

Overall was nice to get a point, and we're now 4 ahead of the Oilers!

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Sample size of 1 dude.

How many dudes do we need to make a good sample? 4 dudes, 5 dudes?

[SuperMatt18]

Haven't seen it mentioned but we really missed Stajan in the third last night.

Really needed another veteran center that we could rely on to go up against the Sedins and Kesler.

[bubbsy]

I love this team thus far. They are fast, and are playing very solid for the most part. The flames have played the canucks scared for almost half a decade now, but last night i really thought they were not intimidated and played them strong, and got infront of their net.

Only disappointing point for me was that it wasn't the kids that made the big, game costing mistakes. Glencross, Mcgratton, Russel were the goats on the 3 goals. I thought glencross' was the worst as it totally changed the momentum of the game.

Not overly happy with Glencross thus far. Not very physical, not very smart with the puck. Hope he can start playing with more grit, as the offense will soon follow.

Hartley has done a great job in getting strong starts from the team. Just needs to figure out how to have the team re-gain momentum after it shifts away.

Again, not sure how anyone can not be totally satisfied and proud of the group so far. Go Flames Go.

More excited about this team, win or lose, than i have been in 5 years.

[868904]

Kris Russel - a decent mobile defenseman, guess we can't ask for much at that salary but he has to stop over committing when forwards are coming down on him. He goes down to block a shot or pass way too soon and the forward walks right by him to score.

Backund - his strength is so noticeable this year, he use to fall over when the opposition breathed on him, now he's fending guys off with one hand and maintaining the puck on the cycle. Hope this leads to a big offensive season.

Butler - has the physical tools to be a good defenseman but makes the most boneheaded plays at crucial times. Really have to wonder why the management team focused on acquiring him with all the emphasis on hockey sense.

[Stay Golden]

Was at the game and I have to be honest even though are guys lost the extra point. I felt like a win.Controlling the play with intense offensive zone pressure the final 2 minutes and forcing OT with 19 seconds left when it seemed the Flames had blown 2 points was great display of won't quit until the final buzzer.

Van fans were chattering that they were going to blow out the rag tag Flames squad but they were the ones that didn't enjoy 75% of the game.
Though it is early this team of Hartley's is exciting to watch and easy to cheer for. Hartley has this young team hustling and so far they are impressive going what they have. Work ethic and playing for the guy next to them.
Now if only Hartley would bench Butler or if Feaster would move that dummy who continues to be the equal to past hand grenade Eriksson on Defense.
Actually using Defense and Butler in the same sentence should be a hockey sin.

[JiriHrdina]

Main observations from me were that Jones and Russel are better players than I thought, at least thus far.

[19Yzerman19]

Originally Posted by T@T

It's very early but most people in here wanted Lindholm instead, by all accounts he has looked like a deer in headlights so far and probably won't stick with Carolina.

I watched Carolina's win over Philly yesterday and I thought he played very well. He has outstanding hockey sense and already seems to have made a decision as to what to do with the puck before he gets it. I saw him make a grand total of zero bad plays. Set up a couple of good chances, but mostly just moved the puck into the opposing end and kept it there. That said, he's currently on the fourth line seeing limited minutes so I don't think it would be a bad thing for his development if he didn't stick with the Canes.

Just wanted to pour some cold water on the "guy we didn't pick sucks" beer goggles version of the world. Didn't see the first half of the Flames / Canucks though so I can't comment on Monahan, though he looked great on his goal, looked off the shot so that the goalie couldn't commit. Can't play that any better.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by EM11

Loved seeing Hartley's arms up when they tied the game in the 3rd. This team has passion from top to bottom.

Apparently Ken King spends the third period of every game behind the net. We were 2 rows behind his shiny bald head and you should of seen him. When they scored to tie the game he jumped out of his seat like his job was on the line hahaha. Was hilarious. He's also not afraid to lounge around kicking his feet up onto the boards. I wish my phone wasn't dead or I would of had an amazing pic.


This is the first time I've left the dome happy after a loss. The game was amazing, the crowd was as loud as a playoff game at times. Back and forth, down to the wire and I'd like to give props to some of the guys.

Galiardi - I'm convinced this guy is the best forechecker in the league. His speed and determination are second to none on the team. Whenever I'd see Galiardi going in for the puck I'm now thinking to myself sweet, we got ourselves a turnover in the offensive zone.

Monahan - Hockey smarts is a hell of a thing and I under appreciated Monahan in this regard. Seeing him live you can tell this kid just knows the best possible play 9 times out of 10. He's also extremely composed and not going to slide across the ice on his knee's like he's a God after scoring a goal.

Brodie - This guy is a top line defender, I don't care what anyone has to say about it. He's just so calm and collected with the puck, his passing is tremendous and he's rarely hemmed in his own zone. His offense will surely come sooner rather than later.

Russell - He has his ups and downs, but he seems to be a solid bottom 4 defenseman. He's a short guy but not afraid to stand up for himself and do what he has to in order to have success.

D.Jones - This guy seems to be returning to his old self. I see a power forward who has a nose for the net and has been producing results from day 1. Colorado last year was just a mess, that locker room must of been cancerous. There was too much going wrong at every turn for Colorado and it looks like we may have benefited from that. I don't care if SOB is hot garbage, if Jones can return to a 25+ goal scorer than we won that trade. Yes Tanguay may put up more points in Colorado, but we couldn't fit him into our top 6 and inject youth. The flames would be left with too many short skilled guys and not enough big boys to protect them.

[ComixZone]

I'm darn pleased with the team so far this season.

Backlund has very clearly taken a big step forward in his career. Great to see.

Butler is a 3rd pairing d-man. Play him as a 3rd pairing d-man, and he does his job capably.

Monahan and Baertschi struggle at times, look great at times, and everything in between - exactly what should be expected from players of their ages.

Brodie, Giordano and Wideman have looked steady/fantastic.

Russel makes mistakes, but does a great job of getting back and covering up his errors. He'll only get better as he continues to play.

SOB is a plug...but I like his ability to be a stupid angry plug rather than a slow angry plug (*cough*Sarich*cough*)

Glencross has been the only real disappointment - but for a guy making 2.55M, he's still a heck of a deal.

Stemps, Stajan, Street, McGrattan have all been solid. Street is the ultimate "team guy" as he takes a beating and a half but always makes the play.

Galiardi and Jones have been fantastic additions.


I love the work ethic and I absolutely love the entertainment value found in these first 3 games.

It's a long season, and things will get pretty dark at times given the pains of a developing roster - but as long as the work ethic stays high and the team continues to build the identity of smash mouth, fast paced hockey - I'll be pleased.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Main observations from me were that Jones and Russel are better players than I thought, at least thus far.

Yep, I am more impressed than I thought I would be, especially with Jones. Russell is hit and miss, but good for where he plays depth-wise.

[Stay Golden]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I'm darn pleased with the team so far this season.

Butler is a 3rd pairing d-man. Play him as a 3rd pairing d-man, and he does his job capably.

Monahan and Baertschi struggle at times, look great at times, and everything in between - exactly what should be expected from players of their ages.

Brodie, Giordano and Wideman have looked steady/fantastic.

Russel makes mistakes, but does a great job of getting back and covering up his errors. He'll only get better as he continues to play.

SOB is a plug...but I like his ability to be a stupid angry plug rather than a slow angry plug (*cough*Sarich*cough*)

Glencross has been the only real disappointment - but for a guy making 2.55M, he's still a heck of a deal.

Stemps, Stajan, Street, McGrattan have all been solid. Street is the ultimate "team guy" as he takes a beating and a half but always makes the play.

Galiardi and Jones have been fantastic additions.


I love the work ethic and I absolutely love the entertainment value found in these first 3 games.

It's a long season, and things will get pretty dark at times given the pains of a developing roster - but as long as the work ethic stays high and the team continues to build the identity of smash mouth, fast paced hockey - I'll be pleased.

Bolded +2

[CaptainCrunch]

The fact that this team gained 4 points in 6 games while still in the heavy learning curve of the season for a rebuilding year is very heartening. The fact that this team apparently felt really bad about losing last nights game is a plus.

Right now the unfortunate thing is every single time they make a mistake it ends up in the net goes towards goaltending rather then anything else. We don't have that goalie that can bail out a young team.

Sure there's a lot for this team to learn, especially in defensive zone coverage and neutral zone play, those are the tough things to learn, Those will probably take a full season for the younger guys to pick up.

This teams work ethic is top notch, their speed through the lineup is taking people by surprise, and the offense is also surprising. Hartley's not putting in some Torts style of boring trap just to get the wins, this team is willing to live and die by their offense and up ice pressure.

There will be some tough times for this team over the next 6 months, there will be blowouts and losing streaks, but as long as this team never stops trying to win like the Oilers it bodes well for building the right culture and the right dressing room, that's what's important for this year.

Like I said originally, I wasn't a big fan of a complete blow up intentionally losing, I think that's the biggest con game in hockey that fans are being ripped off for a few hundred bucks a night to watch a team that's not trying to win.

But in a lot of ways this is exciting as hell to watch new blood pumping in an old franchises veins. I think as long as we as fans don't get too high and too low we can enjoy this journey.

Oh and the Oilers still suck.