[GDT] Flames vs. Coyotes, Alec Trevelyan…er…Treliving's revenge, 7 p.m., SNF

[stemit14]

Hoping mcgrattan and Sven both have great games today. Would really like to see Sven break out in a big way tonight. And it would be awesome if mcgrattan was a factor physically and contributed on a hard-working 4th-line goal.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by J epworth kendal

Problem with Jones is he doesn't play hard, because he always gets injured when he is playing a style that equals success for him. It's so frustrating watching him play timid after coming back from injury. I would rather him play 30 games playing his heart out than 70 games with him floating around.

This has been the book on him from his Colorado days according to their fans. I think we have definitely been seeing this as well.

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I thought he's played pretty hard since coming back, he's one of the few forwards that will drive to the net with the puck. I don't think he's been timid at all, in fact, this is some of the more aggressive hockey he's played since coming to Calgary.

Plus, he might miss tonight because of the flu, not because he's injured.

100% right - Jones has been fairly effective this season (though I think he wasn't so in the first segment of games). He is driving the net hard, trying to get garbage goals, and he is providing the Flames with a lot of size/grit, speed and checking ability (back-checking pressure and he is great on the fore-check).

Though it does seem like he is battling the flu, he does have a history of getting injured playing this way, and then coming back a different player - just stops driving to the net as hard, and you see him become less effective offensively. I think this has been very noticeable with him since his time in Calgary (and apparently, was known for this in Colorado as well).

What I do like seeing from him even when he does become the player I just described above, is that he is always a good fore-checker and is always defensively responsible. He doesn't become a 'useless' player out there, just fades away offensively and doesn't make it difficult for opposing teams to contain him in their zone. I think he undeservedly becomes the whipping boy, but that salary does bring in a certain level of expectations and I can understand why fans will turn on him somewhat. His possession numbers last year were fantastic from what I remember, and I am guessing (didn't check) his possession numbers this season are decent at least.

I think Jones is a very similar player to Bourque in terms of PFD type that plays very well until an injury, and then stops being a PFD. However, he plays with a much higher IQ and a much better work ethic defensively in the 'down times'.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Wait, since when did Setoguchi grow 3.5-4"?

Wow.. I thought he was 6'4"!!! I had to double-check Glencross and Jones, but thought Devin was 'sure' Devin was 6'4"!

My bad

[J epworth]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I thought he's played pretty hard since coming back, he's one of the few forwards that will drive to the net with the puck. I don't think he's been timid at all, in fact, this is some of the more aggressive hockey he's played since coming to Calgary.

Plus, he might miss tonight because of the flu, not because he's injured.

I agree, I've been saying the last few games this is how Jones needs to play to have success. Also know that he has the flu, not injured tonight. Just more commenting on how the pattern he seems to have. When he came back from his last injury he had a few games where he was just floating around. Then the call-ups starting nipping at his heels, and he started driving the net. The last few games Jones is playing like the player we want him to be. The problem is, it's seemed every time he plays like this he ends up getting injured, and the cycle begins all over again. I just hope he keeps playing with this great attitude he's had in the road trip and finally gets rewarded with a scoring streak, not another separated shoulder.

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

Went to the practice today with Calgaryboy.

Some impressions:

Giordano can shoot. Awesome display.
Hartley seems to have a great time, all the time.
Coach spent much time talking to Reinhart.
One of the nicest goals was Bollig from McGratton.
Wideman rarely took slapshots, all other defensmen were.
Diaz, Setoguchi, Bollig and Ferland got worked hard after main group left.
Ferland was hurting, conditioning wise.
Coaches worked Diaz hard after. Impressed with how hard he did all they asked.
One of the Flames nearly killed me. Calgaryboy wanted to show me a picture he took, I look down and BANG! One meter away puck smashes into the seats. I look up, whole bunch of Flames looking our way. Nota Bena: keep eyes on ice.
Had a nice short conversation with Ferland. Said he is 100%, just needs to get back into game shape. Zero problems from concussion. Very respectful and thankful that I wanted to talk to him. Maybe he shot the puck at me earlier and felt bad.

I was going to mention who the last guy to come out for practice was...and who was the first to leave; but there could be many reasons for it, so I decide now to leave it alone.

Glad you had fun at practice. The off-day skates are much longer and less fun for fans. Where'd ya sit?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Wait, since when did Setoguchi grow 3.5-4"?

I was hired to stretch him with a rack. It didnt go well, I mean, hes taller, but his skating seems to have suffered.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by Freeway

Glad you had fun at practice. The off-day skates are much longer and less fun for fans. Where'd ya sit?

Calgaryboy was close to the glass mostly; directly behind the Flames bench.

I was 8-10 rows up behind Flames bench.

Were you there? We will be there every game day skate, come and say hello.

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

Calgaryboy was close to the glass mostly; directly behind the Flames bench.

I was 8-10 rows up behind Flames bench.

Were you there? We will be there every game day skate, come and say hello.

I usually sit with the rest of the media. Generally the front-ish row of media folks.

[bubbsy]

Flames game, dolphins game, raptors vs bulls... Oh and wife is out.

Ordered me a pizza, put some beer in the fridge..... I'm all set.

[Zach]

Flames shootout win.

[sureLoss]

Wes Gilbertson @SUNGilbertson
#Flames RW David Jones, a game-time decision due to illness, is on ice for pre-game warmup.