[GDT] Flames @ Hurricanes, battle of the fireman helmet teams, 5 p.m., SNW

[Rerun]

MAX IN THE MIDDLE
Last season, Reinhart spent a good chunk of time on the left wing due to logjam at centre ice. This year, he is back in his natural position.

"I used the time in Adirondack to get more comfortable playing in the middle again. I played there for most of my life. I feel more comfortable in the centre of the rink."
Tonight, he'll centre Byron and Setoguchi - a move Hartley believes will benefit not just Reinhart, but Byron as well.

"Max gave us some great games at left wing, but we want to put him in a position where we can maximize his potential. At the same time, with Paulie in the lineup, Paulie on the wing has more freedom. We can exploit more of his speed."

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=738476

[Vulcan]

I guess it's a virus and it explains to me why Wotherspoon didn't dress for his last game.

Sven Baertschi (virus) did not skate this morning and will miss tonight's game.
"Funny virus. It’s in the minors also. Spooner and Potter got the same thing," Hartley explained. "He was kind of swollen and everything. It’s getting better but not to a point."

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=738476

[Enoch Root]

I predict Setoguchi breaks out with a goal tonight

[Ozy_Flame]

I wonder if Sven had this virus since his call-up? Seems likely. I hope that's a possible explanation for his play so far. Sort of similar to what we saw with Backlund and his nagging injury.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I predict Setoguchi breaks out with a goal tonight

I'd settle for an assist. I don't understand how all 4 lines seem to be rolling in most games and yet Setoguchi has nothing to show in 9 games..

Carolina has a dangerous top line when rolling so I'm expecting this to be a high scoring game, but more even than the last tilt. I expect we'll see Semin half care about the game after his benching.

6-3 Flames, Gaudreau gets another 3 points.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

Wouldn't be surprised that some of those early Crosby, Malkin, Staal combinations beating that out by a significant amount. Maybe with Talbot in 2006?

true, I'm not sure if all four of them were playing center right away, but they all were by mid season, and they would have been just over 20 on average.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

I'd settle for an assist. I don't understand how all 4 lines seem to be rolling in most games and yet Setoguchi has nothing to show in 9 games..

Especially with all his PP time

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

I'd settle for an assist. I don't understand how all 4 lines seem to be rolling in most games and yet Setoguchi has nothing to show in 9 games..

.

I can certainly understand that. Typically the play tends to die with the puck on his stick...

.... or should I say when it comes off his stick. He seems to lose control of the puck.. a lot.

Not that he isn't trying hard. I think he is. He just doesn't have the greatest puck handling skills or a very good shot.

[442scotty]

Seto has absolutely zilch to offer. Cant wait till hes gone.

[Rerun]

The Flames have recalled forward Max Reinhart from the Adirondack Flames of the American Hockey League. He will take the place of Sven Baertschi, who is out of the lineup with a virus. Reinhart has a goal and four assists in 19 NHL games over the previous two seasons.

"He's a smart centerman," said Hartley, who will pair him on a line with Paul Byron and Devin Setoguchi. "He can create plays. He has speed when he has a shooter with him, so it has the potential to be a pretty solid line."

The Flames coach made it clear what Reinhart must do to leave an impression.

"It's all about speed and hunger," the coach said. "That's all we're selling to those guys. If you want to be in the lineup and you want to have a role, you need to be quick and hungry. It's about being aggressive and disciplined, but playing the game at a high pace. We want player with gears. Whatever gear you have, we always want an extra one."

http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/pre...d=nhl:topheads