[GDT] Flames @ Blackhawks: The Return of Bollig, 6 p.m., SN

[Igster]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Bollig threw a very soft clearing attempt up the middle which ended up in our net 6.5 seconds later. His next shift he killed the zone entry twice. He's not good, but I guess he forechecks well

Was just about to post this play that lead directly to a goal, in response. You beat me to it.

[saillias]

I don't think the defense is really a problem, relatively speaking in comparison to our forwards anyway. They are a middle of the pack group. I think the real issue is the forward group, which might be the worst in the league. Glencross has to step up, start showing off that ridiculous shooting percentage he's got.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by saillias

I don't think the defense is really a problem, relatively speaking in comparison to our forwards anyway. They are a middle of the pack group. I think the real issue is the forward group, which might be the worst in the league. Glencross has to step up, start showing off that ridiculous shooting percentage he's got.

Agreed here. Honestly, I can't think of a worse forward group. Maybe Buffalo?

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

If I'm Gelinas, I lean over to Johnny on the bench and tell him to watch Kane the entire game.

I'd tell Monahan to watch Toews the whole game too. I don't think that either of our guys are going to be the next Toews or Kane but that's the kind of players they should model their games after.

I'd probably lean over and tell Seabrook to watch Gio while I'm at it....

[puckedoff]

Could see this being a game where Johnny gets his mojo back. Go flames go.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by saillias

Glencross has to step up, start showing off that ridiculous shooting percentage he's got.

He got a goal in St. Louis a couple nights ago and averages more than 2 shots a game. Considering how little help he has to create offense, he's doing just fine. He's primarily a shooter and can cycle the puck ok. He's not our offensive savior.

I don't know why people put so much of the burden on Glencross.

[thefoss1957]

Unfortunately I am working 2nd shift, and won't be able to watch the game live...

On Bollig, below average in his own zone, but will block shots...you really don't want the puck on his stick in the D-zone. Was used a little as a 4th rotation PK guy that pressured the puck up high, with the 'Hawks, usually only when the 'Hawks had Double minors, then you'd see Bollig out late in the PK. On O, will grind and forecheck, decent wrist shot, not much of a passer or finisher. Really is more of an irritator than a fighter...low end 4th line is all you are gonna get from him.

On the 'Hawks 1st two games...Crawford has been solid...Toews has been quietly effective...2nd line plus Sharp, Hossa, and Keith have dominated possession. Easily the best players on the ice.

Rundblad has been awful. TVR has shown promise. Bickell has been useless. Richards has struggled to find chemistry, on the PP, he has turned the puck over by not anticipating how aggressively the 'Hawk point men attack the net.

On Cali's post of 'Hawk lines and D-pairs...so far only SeaKeith has been consistently paired, Oduya and Hjarlmasson have spilt time with each other, and as a partner for Rundblad and Van Reimsdyk, usually, but not always, Hjammer with TVR.

Good to be talking hockey with you fine and knowledgeable Flame fans...I hope your guys have a much improved year.

I'll check in in the wee hours of the morning, after I get to watch the game...

[MissTeeks]

Pat Steinberg‏@Fan960Steinberg39s39 seconds ago

Sounds like no Derek Engelland for the #Flames tonight with a lower body injury. Lance Bouma questionable after last night's hit, too.

Flames confirm:

Calgary Flames‏@NHLFlames23s24 seconds ago
Deryk Engelland (lower body) is out tonight. Raphael Diaz slots back into the lineup tonight in Chicago. #CHIvsCGY

[MissTeeks]

Bouma okay:

Randy Sportak‏@SUNRandySportak13s14 seconds ago

#Flames LW Lance Bouma is OK and to play tonight. D Deryk Engelland is out (lower body) Raphael Diaz is in.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I'm most excited about this game just to see some of the younger guys against an elite team in the league with elite talent. The results don't really matter to me at this point as much as the experience does.

We already have a benchmark from the St. Louis game. Need to improve on that tonight.

[expatflame]

But what will happen to CP if Gaudreau doesn't score tonight?

[Scornfire]

Of course Bouma's ok, good god. Someone get a DNA sample of that kid, no chance he's human

[nixon45]

Originally Posted by expatflame

But what will happen to CP if Gaudreau doesn't score tonight?

Spoiler!

[Kickazzflames]

I am not expecting much.. I am hoping for a Monahan Goal and Gaudreau to get himself a point.

We are on the second night of a back to back, we haven't played very good in front of Hiller.. Our 2nd and 3rd D pairings have some struggles in our own zone, all our forward lines have a hard time maintaining good puck possession.

Hawks 2nd line looks awesome to start the season, has been hemming teams easily into their own zones.

This all has the recipe for a disaster.

If we can play our best game of the season we may be able to make this into a close game. Hiller is going to have to stellar as the hawks averaged 4 goals per game so far.

In short... Go Flames Go!

[skcli]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

He got a goal in St. Louis a couple nights ago and averages more than 2 shots a game. Considering how little help he has to create offense, he's doing just fine. He's primarily a shooter and can cycle the puck ok. He's not our offensive savior.

I don't know why people put so much of the burden on Glencross.

If GlenX can stop doing stupid drop passes I am okay with him

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

He got a goal in St. Louis a couple nights ago and averages more than 2 shots a game. Considering how little help he has to create offense, he's doing just fine. He's primarily a shooter and can cycle the puck ok. He's not our offensive savior.

I don't know why people put so much of the burden on Glencross.

All I said was that I wanted him to step up his game... He's the best scoring winger we've got, arguably the only. So when Brodie and Gio have more points than he does, I don't think it's unreasonable to want him to turn it up a little bit.

[Yrebmi]

On Gaudreau. As has been alluded to by the coach, JG plays his best on home games when we can get him better match ups. The hype is out on this kid and other teams don't want to be embarrassed. John is under no ones radar right now.

On Glencross. Don't call him Glenx.

[thefoss1957]

Chicago fans are often down on Cory Crawford, "he lets in too many softies"...but THIS fan expects that all fans whine about inopportune goals allowed...however, there was a blog about shot distribution and save percentages...Crawford, in fact, is one of the WORST in the NHL at stopping perimeter shots...but...only Rask is better at shots from the low slot...

It is an interesting read for stat freaks...http://thecommittedindian.com/closer-look-crawford/...BTW...Ramo's numbers are included in the graphs

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Pat Steinberg‏@Fan960Steinberg39s39 seconds ago

Sounds like no Derek Engelland for the #Flames tonight with a lower body injury. Lance Bouma questionable after last night's hit, too.

Flames confirm:

Calgary Flames‏@NHLFlames23s24 seconds ago
Deryk Engelland (lower body) is out tonight. Raphael Diaz slots back into the lineup tonight in Chicago. #CHIvsCGY

Being a terrible skater is now a lower body injury, I guess.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by expatflame

But what will happen to CP if Gaudreau doesn't score tonight?

Nothing.

Just would like to see him get more comfortable and have some good chances.