Although things weren't clicking early on, I enjoyed seeing Monahan (playing the right side) and Backlund out there on the first unit PP. Now, to add Sam Bennett to the mix....
I really liked the way Ortio looked in that game. I know it was against the Senators, but there were still a few times we looked a little bit like a tire-fire in our own zone and he seemed very calm and collected back there.
I really liked the way Ortio looked in that game. I know it was against the Senators, but there were still a few times we looked a little bit like a tire-fire in our own zone and he seemed very calm and collected back there.
Agreed - in what I have seen of him and Berra this is the biggest difference. He isnt scrambling to make the save - he just positions himself where he should be and reacts to the play. Berra made some fantastic saves but often didnt have to be as dramatic but was just responding to being out of position previously
i'd probably be more willing to spend money on going to games live with the roster we had tonight than i was with the roster we had a week ago and before the olympic break.
Just a few observations from the game. Granlund is a NHL player. Very slick at times and works hard in both ends. The concerns about his skating have been over-blown. He's not Emile Poirier, but he gets around just fine. Speaking of skating, Monahan must have spent the break working on his stride. There is a visible difference in his skating. He looks much more stable and confident out there. Starting to look like a guy whose been in the league for several years and not a wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Thought to myself on a couple of occasions, there is the new franchise.
The Abby players were just crazy good tonight. None of them looked out of place. Knight is ready and should be sticking around. Awesome in the faceoff dot and played a solid two way game. I'd like to see what he could do with some talented players around him. Still, very effective in the spots he played. Hanowski is quicker than last season but still has an awkward stride. He is effective, but he just looks uncomfortable out there. Reminds me of Bouma when he first appeared on the radar. Still a solid two way guy, and you can't have enough of those in the system. Good depth. Reinhart is another guy that the Flames have to make room for. Does everything well. He actually looked like he needed a faster puck last night, as he was ahead of the play rather than trailing. He was effective on both sides of the puck and showed he could handle the physical game. Finally, from the farm, Ortio looked great in his second start. Didn't look awkward at times like he did in his first game. Stayed square to the shooter and didn't give up many big juicy rebounds. Looks like a kid who has a bright future.
On the veteran side of the roster, Giordano is Mr. Everything to this team. Glad Burke thinks he's a keeper, because he appears to be the glue that pulls everything together for this club. I thought Hudler had a great game going until he got hurt. Another one of those guys that makes the kids better players. A guy that surprised me was Butler. The way he jumped in when Hudler got smoked along the boards really made a positive impression. In a bottom pairing role I could stomach him being around until one of our defensive prospects shows they are ready.
All-in-all that was a very enjoyable game to watch, especially knowing that Ottawa was a buyer and considered a real up-and-coming team in the east. A good test for the Heat, and they passed with flying colors! Can't wait to see the influx of Gaudreau, Arnold and Agostino into the system too. I wish we had a couple of defensemen ready to make the jump. Things are looking bright down the road.
Reinhart looked to be on a completely different level from his previous stints with the Flames both this year and last. Whether it's experience, physical improvement or confidence, he really looked like he belongs out there. Especially playing with Granlund, who was just as impressive.
Hanowki-Knight-McGrattan actually looked like a competent 4th line of physical-yet-defensively-responsible guys.
Ortio seemed much more poised this game; way fewer dangerous rebounds. Hopefully Hartley rolls with him until Ramo returns. Assuming he keeps up his solid play (and depending on what happens over the summer), I would be fine going into next season with Ramo/Ortio splitting the starts 65/35.
Byron played some absolutely inspired hockey in all situations which was awesome to see. Bouma was awesome, as usual.
If Hudler is indeed out and Stajan draws back in against the Islanders, I'd like to see:
I have to agree with the Butler comments. I've hated him with a passion for so long but he has been pretty damn good the last few months. Maybe he is ok as a #6 in the rebuild?
- Ortio = Kipper 2.0 ? He looked great
- Bouma - can't say enough about this guy... unsung hero. Like a Stephane Yelle out there. Big, solid, tough.... love it
- Granlund - providing lots of punch. That play with Reinhart, I hope to see that for years to come. (I hope)
- Cammalleri - played great IMO... wouldn't mind seeing back. I get that he sunk his value this year, but I still like him and he still brings value
- Monohan - what can you say? He's like a vet out there
- Backlund - not much to say, just want to stick it to Where r u Chris OSullivan
- Byron - love the way he plays the game. He's tiny though....
- McGratton - not just a goon, he's a hockey player out there. Love having him on this team. Bet he's a leader, and it looks like he enjoys being here. Keep him here.
Just wanted to echo all of this and...
-Giordano - awesome, guy just seems to keep getting better.
-Giordano - awesome, guy just seems to keep getting better.
Its really too bad he got hurt for a period this year. He could have gotten Norris consideration (at his current PPG extrapolated out a full schedule he'd be 3rd in defense scoring behind Karlsson and Keith) and a plus player on a bad team.
Its really too bad he got hurt for a period this year. He could have gotten Norris consideration (at his current PPG extrapolated out a full schedule he'd be 3rd in defense scoring behind Karlsson and Keith) and a plus player on a bad team.
The other thing I like about him being the Captain, is his disposition. I was thinking how things might be right now if Iggy was still here as the Captain. I don't think the young guys would be doing as well. I think Gio is a more of an, encourage the young guys make them feel more at ease, type Captain. Iggy was more of a quiet, lead by example guy, and the younger guys playing now would be playing a bit tighter and nervous.
I give Gio credit for excelling at being a Captain on top of his play.
- Ortio looked so much better than he did in his last game. Good rebound control, really fast glove hand..
- Knight won over 60% of his faceoffs in his first game. That's a real good sign.
- Monahan is getting better ever single game. It's crazy that he's 19. Loved that he was the first to jump in after Hudler got hurt.
- Based on limited viewings, I don't know how Granlund could possibly get sent back to the AHL. Hope he's here to stay.
Also, this:
Watching rookies is more fun.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
Before you call me a pessimist or a downer, the Flames made me this way. Blame them.
