[News] Wotherspoon recalled. Shore sent down. Ramo off IR. Smid on IR

[Jiggy_12]

Really liked what I saw from Wotherspoon last year and excited to see him build on that. I see this as an upgrade.

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

Of the first 4 draft picks in 2011, only Baertschi is not on the roster today. Bet you no one would have guessed that.

He will get his chance when Glencross is traded at the deadline for picks.

[sa226]

It will be interesting to see the dynamic of playing 'Spoon with Engelland. I think opposing teams try to identify a weakness on a D pairing and push the puck to that side.

Who do you target out of those two? The rookie? Or the guy who just isn't very good?

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Psytic

He will get his chance when Glencross is traded at the deadline for picks.

I'd be shocked if this happened and we're still in the playoff picture.

[Drury18]

Originally Posted by ramizle

Great! Excited to see what Wotherspoon is all about. Any assessment from fans that watch the baby Flames? Drury18?

Adirondack is so effed right now on Defence. You ripped out the heart of it.

Wotherspoon is a fantastic defenceman. He logs LONG minutes every game, he plays on PP, PK, 5 on 5, 4 on 4. Even with his size, I find him to be a very clean skater. He's been more involved in plays this year then what I saw last season, he carries the puck and he's not afraid to take a shot from the point. I think he clued in he is a big, strong guy and so if he blasts it from the point it will go through people. He's found some success taking shots from the top, whether it's a goal or just creating a good chance for the guys. He hits, maybe not as hard as you'd expect from a large guy, but cleanly and effectively.

And of course, good defensive plays. He doesn't get beat very often, he rarely is out of position.

[Leeman4Gilmour]

It will be fun to see another one of the up and comers get a chance. And, lol, I don't know if it's luck, or a found loophole, or just the way it's worked out (which is the case I'm sure) but I cannot recall a time when the IR has been so handy when it comes to internal player transactions.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I actually feel like Wotherspoon and Engelland have the potential to be a good pairing.

I would prefer Wotherspoon/Smid, since Smid's a bit more intelligent IMO and that'd be better for the young guy's development. While he's injured though, I don't think I mind Wotherspoon/Engelland, but we'll see what happens.

Adirondack is so effed right now on Defence. You ripped out the heart of it.

Can they still make do? I hope that doesn't mess with the other guys' confidence.

[stemit14]

Ortio looking like an all-world #1 goaltender? Gaudreau, Monahan, and Brodie all becoming the core of the team? Baertschi and poirier lighting it up in the AHL and on the cusp of becoming NHL regulars? And now Wotherspoon joining the big club once again ready to steal a spot from a veteran?

Looks like the transition is full gear...

[burn_this_city]

Feel bad for Smid, he got rocked last night and I thought he might have a head injury.

[getbak]

[SuperMatt18]

Another option is:

Brodie-Giordano
Russell-Engelland
Wotherspoon- Wideman

Give the Wotherspoon and Wideman pairing more sheltered offensive zone starts.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Feel bad for Smid, he got rocked last night and I thought he might have a head injury.

Agreed.. when I saw the slow mo (think it was Reggie getting him), did not look good

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Another option is:

Brodie-Giordano
Russell-Engelland
Wotherspoon- Wideman

Give the Wotherspoon and Wideman pairing more sheltered offensive zone starts.

I know Wideman's labelled as the offensive D and Engelland is the stay-at-home guy, but I honestly would prefer Engelland stay out of the defensive zone as much as possible.

[Flame19,289]

Originally Posted by Drury18

Adirondack is so effed right now on Defence. You ripped out the heart of it.

Wotherspoon is a fantastic defenceman. He logs LONG minutes every game, he plays on PP, PK, 5 on 5, 4 on 4....

And of course, good defensive plays. He doesn't get beat very often, he rarely is out of position.

From the three ADK Flames games that I have been to this year, I was really impressed with the number of minutes logged by Wotherspoon. But his work on the PK was exceptional. Always in position, keeping the play to the outside and keeping the crease area clear for Ortio to do what he does best.

Excited to see how his game translates to the NHL.

[northcrunk]

That hit Smid took was dirty. The LA player 'pretends' to go for the puck but just places his stick near it and comes up with a shoulder up high. I really think next time we play the kings Wolf NEEDS to play and hammer Reggie.

[killer_carlson]

Last year the Smid - Wotherspoon pairing looked really good. That is the 3rd pairing I want to see. I'm really excited by this, but I think the hope to put him in the 2nd pairing is premature.

I would like to see Wotherspoon developed similar to what Monahan and Gaudreau are seeing (or saw!) which is sheltered shifts until he gets his skates settled under him at the NHL level.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Good.

Ideally you want a young player with potential on the bottom pairing working his way up. One tough journeymen is okay but not both Smid and Engellend.

[Muffins]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

I know Wideman's labelled as the offensive D and Engelland is the stay-at-home guy, but I honestly would prefer Engelland stay out of the defensive zone as much as possible.

The only zone Engelland should be near is the Sport Chek Zone.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Muffins

The only zone Engelland should be near is the Sport Chek Zone.

Actually, I'm very satisfied when Engelland finally makes it to the neutral zone for a change.

[hummdeedoo]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

... and you can go long stretches without noticing him.

If we don't notice him on the 3rd pairing then this is a good thing

I really liked Wotherspoon last year - just a real solid defender making few mistakes.