We are all ok with losing, we prepared for this.. but we expected to lose with a team full of rookies. Not veterans making mistakes with no repercussions while the young players sit in the press box.
You are first, presuming that the reasons for scratching a healthy 20-year-old rookie will be the same as those for scratching a +27-year-old veteran. Second, you assume that Baertschi's scratch was for the purpose of punishment, or to "send a message". Without knowing the more precise details behind this coaching decision, it is impossible to assess the results.
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Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
I think the Flames need to scratch Sven and play Ramo for the rest of the season. Flames need to tank anyway. So, no big loss here. It's hard to cheer for them this way, but what the hay!
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...Perhaps these are small things, but from them (and watching other after-the-play interactions) I got the impression that this team has some players that have realized the level of consistency and smart play that they need to exhibit in order to win. And then there are a few players who, either for lack of consistency, laziness, or lack of vision / skill, are just not on the same page and making life just a touch harder for others. Players like Cammi / Wideman seem to be invested in this team and you can see a contrast between them as veterans versus Stajan / Glencross.
This ability to maintain the same level of intensity and consistency is probably also a skill. Some players are very good at it while others are not so much, and it likely more often than not has very little to do with one group being more lazy than the other.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
Outside of the two obvious bad give aways from Glencross and Galiardi I didn't think they played that bad. The real disappointment for me today was Squid. It's almost as if he changed to a new stick or something. He was terrible with the puck and appeared to be fighting it all game.
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This ability to maintain the same level of intensity and consistency is probably also a skill. Some players are very good at it while others are not so much, and it likely more often than not has very little to do with one group being more lazy than the other.
Yeah, I won't disagree with that. Laziness is likely not the best descriptor. But you could see that the disappointment from some players stems from others not making seemingly basic, fundamental plays. I didn't notice players upset because a teammate was unable to make a high skill play.
Good 1st period but mid 2nd period the Flames were starting to get outworked and just didn't create many scoring chances.
3rd period it all fell apart quickly. Flames didn't pose any kind of threat to the Wilds defence.
Yeah, I won't disagree with that. Laziness is likely not the best descriptor. But you could see that the disappointment from some players stems from others not making seemingly basic, fundamental plays. I didn't notice players upset because a teammate was unable to make a high skill play.
A young roster of average-to-low overall level of high-end skill that worked its butt off for 50 minutes and got extremely good goaltending.
Whatever. Whateveur.
I calculated the average age last night of the roster because I was curious, and it was 27. That isn't the most veteran roster in the league by any means, but I definitely wouldn't call it young. When the majority of your players are north of 25, have 5-6+ seasons of NHL experience we can't really call them young anymore. This team can't hide behind a rebuild mantra because they aren't trying to rebuild, they are still dressing a veteran presence team with youth sprinkled in. And that is fine, but don't make excuses based on in experience if you have a plethora of experience on the ice.
That age average would also be higher if Stempniak and Giordano were dressed.
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Another very good game from Berra - his positioning is excellent. I love having a big goalie that stays square to the puck.
Even with a full lineup, the Flames are not a highly skilled team - we all know this. With Stempniak and Baertschi out, and Glencross lost during the game, we have a situation where Bouma, Galiardi and Jackman are ALL getting top 9 minutes at the same time, in a game where they are behind, on the road to a team that defends well. Is anyone surprised that they weren't going to look good in that situation?
To the comments on Galiardi, I agree that he doesn't accomplish a lot, but that doesn't make him a useless player. To me all it says I that he is currently in the wrong role. He simply isn't a top 6 guy but I think he is an awesome 4th line energy guy. Unfortunately, right now they have to ask more of him than he can consistently give.
I thought Brodie had a very good game. Also, another good game from Butler, and I attribute much of that to Brodie, who can handle the puck and get it out of the zone, taking a lot of pressure off Butler. (I give Butler credit too, just saying)
Bouma - similar to Galiardi... great on the 4th line, can't generate much in a bigger role. Yes, a good play on the goal, but very little for the line after that. Not a criticism, I like him, just an observation.
With Stempniak, Glencross and Giordano all out, this team is thin on talent and guys will be put in roles they can't handle. It's going to be a tough stretch - especially on the road against good defensive teams.
Edit: alaso, full credit to the Wild who played a very solid game, kept the Flames to the outside, and showed excellent finish when they got chances. A solid win from a team that is playing really well right now.
Last edited by Enoch Root; 11-06-2013 at 10:35 AM.
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Was at the game last night. Overall impression is that this team works hard but not everyone is similarly invested. Two examples from watching after the play:
1) When Glencross failed to get that backhand clear on the PK and they gave up the second, heads hung and expressions changed very quickly. I was looking at TJ and he looked genuinely discouraged, but not in the "darn we just gave up a goal" manner. I was 7 rows back of Glencross and was shocked that he couldn't get that out... he had all the time in the world. Brodie's look was one of "come on, I'm working hard and you mess up an easy clearance?"
Everyone who has played hockey growing up knows you don't try and clear the zone with a backhand. For some reason the hockey gods always decide this is the moment you can't raise the puck and make an easy play and embarrass yourself.
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The team isn't incredibly young, but given they were among the oldest team for the past few years, that's quite the turnaround in age. And I don't think Feaster is done with the trading yet.
This is not true... I guarantee you there are guys in the dressing room, not named Sven who can't believe Sven is benched in place of other guys and really don't like it. This can translate onto the ice. Im not saying it is why we get blown out but attitude and effort can quickly shift going down 3-1
If the benching of an unproductive rookie causes that kind of attitude, there's nothing a coach can do to help them. I'd be surprised if the players care who's sitting out as long as it's not them.
