Gaudreau Progress / Development

[Frank MetaMusil]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Sometimes that's good for a young guy to watch from the top and see the play develop easier.

I would have waited a couple more games before scratching Gaudreau. With the Jooris callup there would have been a bit of famililarity and chemistry from preseason.

[FlameZilla]

Johnny's been playing well, despite not picking up points. He's had some close calls and has quite frankly just been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. His time with the puck on his stick has been minimal but he still manages to make smart plays and tape-to-tape passes.

Millions, btw, isn't 100% sure if Gaudreau is sitting tonight (judging by the wording of his tweets) but I think we can all agree it's not necessarily a bad thing. I'd rather watch him play though... with Monahan & Hudler.

[GioforPM]

JG has made some sweet little passes from the sideboards in transition, often reversing the flow, putting a linemate in a better skating position. It hasn't panned out yet but it will, and his linemates will start to get used to his subtle game, if they're smart. Monahan would be a good fit - he knows where to go and JG knows where to pass.

[GoodUncle]

I think, even with the limitations set upon him by Hartley, Gaudreau (with a +2) has played well. I don't know the exact total TOI for Gaudreau but it has to be at least or close to 50% of what another player on the team has who's at -2.

On a more global team aspect, one of the major problems that I think exists with the team is that the coaching staff still fails to recognize that dump and chase hockey with the players on this team just doesn't work. Not to mention, on a more individual level I think a couple of the veterans just aren't that thrilled with a 5'8" 160lb rookie playing with them (another limitation thrust upon Gaudreau).

I think it was written in the coach's cards even before Gaudreau made the cut that being sent down from the NHL was going to happen (or is going to happen to phrase it in the proper tense). IMO anyways.

As far as how Gaudreau looks out on the ice, ........I don't think I would use the words timid and tentative. More like, slightly frustrated.

[GoodUncle]

Originally Posted by transplant99

It's the entirely right call to sit him tonight. He has ONE shot on net in 5 games. .that is not good enough. It appears that the jump to regular season intensity has been a bit much for him....so let him sit and reset and see what he does in Winnipeg or when they get home.

right, especially when someone on the team has twice the TOI (or close to it) and is -2 when Gaudreau's a +2. okay

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

...Not to mention, on a more individual level I think a couple of the veterans just aren't that thrilled with a 5'8" 160lb rookie playing with them (another limitation thrust upon Gaudreau)...

Come again?

[Iggy Snipe]

It will be a tough call whether or not to send Johnny down. He has not played all that great, or at least has not impressed me enough to think he should be a full time NHLer yet. A year in the AHL would be a good, but at the same time he does have a lot of offensive up side which could shine for the Flames now. Tough call.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

right, especially when someone on the team has twice the TOI (or close to it) and is -2 when Gaudreau's a +2. okay

I assume you are talking about Backlund since the other -2 guys are Setoguchi (who hasn't played twice as many minutes) and Wideman who's a defenseman.

Putting aside they don't play the same position, suggesting Gaudreau should play more than Backlund at this point is silly.

[GoodUncle]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

I assume you are talking about Backlund since the other -2 guys are Setoguchi (who hasn't played twice as many minutes) and Wideman who's a defenseman.

Putting aside they don't play the same position, suggesting Gaudreau should play more than Backlund at this point is silly.

then what's the purpose of +/- rating????????? silly me.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

...silly me.

Now you're catching on.

[GoodUncle]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Now you're catching on.

Imagine if I could say...."that makes two of us"!

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Frank MetaMusil

I would have waited a couple more games before scratching Gaudreau. With the Jooris callup there would have been a bit of famililarity and chemistry from preseason.

Oh for sure, what JG has been missing the first few games is another un-experienced rookie to help him adjust.

I wish some people would look at this as a process and stop obsessing over every single move or decision. Omg if he's not in the opening line up he didn't make the team. Omg, if he sits that means the Flames think he's the worst forward and are about to demote him. Omg, if they send him down we it means they think he's a bust and he'll never be back up again.

[GoodUncle]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I wish some people would look at this as a process and stop obsessing over every single move or decision. Omg if he's not in the opening line up he didn't make the team. Omg, if he sits that means the Flames think he's the worst forward and are about to demote him. Omg, if they send him down we it means they think he's a bust and he'll never be back up again.

Well said, CSW. This .....TEAM.... isn't about Gaudreau being the savior. Nor will simply calling up Jooris be the complete fix. IT IS ABOUT a process. Let's see if the coach has the sense and logic of figuring it out and the kahouna's to make some really hard but smart changes!!!

[FaFaFlamey]

It's a work in progress. Let's not rush our kids like the desperate Oilers do. He'll sort himself out wherever he ends up playing. I certainly didn't think a superstar college player would step right onto NHL ice and start lighting it up. Would have been nice, but let's see how this unfolds after more games. I remember Martin St.Louis and Brett Hull taking a few years. Calm....

[FBI]

Here's a thought: Maybe playing Johnny with Monahan will actually help spark Monahan's game too?

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by FBI

Here's a thought: Maybe playing Johnny with Monahan will actually help spark Monahan's game too?

They have had good chemistry in previous rookie camps.

[Vinny01]

Sit Johnny Sunday and let him play solid minutes of the upcoming 5 game home stand to see if the favourable match ups will get him going. If he is taking solid steps the next time they head out on the road keep him up if he struggles during the home stand consider sending him down and bring up Sven or Granlund

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

Well said, CSW. This .....TEAM.... isn't about Gaudreau being the savior. Nor will simply calling up Jooris be the complete fix. IT IS ABOUT a process. Let's see if the coach has the sense and logic of figuring it out and the kahouna's to make some really hard but smart changes!!!

I have to disagree.... This year is not about team... It is about the team 2 years from now.

The main purpose of this year is to get Gaudreau - Baertschi- Brodie and Monahan to be the core of a playoff contender

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

right, especially when someone on the team has twice the TOI (or close to it) and is -2 when Gaudreau's a +2. okay

yup...cuz +/- is the way to judge what he is doing on the ice.

[Rerun]

Why was it ok for Jooris to play on Monahan's line but not ok for Gaudreau? Everyone here knows Hartley has JG playing with line mates that he has ZERO chemistry with.

The more I watch Hartley and the decisions that he makes, the more I think that he WANTS Gaudreau to fail up here and be sent down to Addy.

This just doesn't make sense. Why scratch JG and then bring in Jooris to play, not on Colborn's line, but Monahan's line? Why was it ok for Jooris to play with Monahan but not Gaudreau?