QOTD: What did you make of Wolf?

[FlamesAddiction]

Somewhere between C and D.

Obviously a small sample size, but I thought he was impressive enough. He was involved in some plays and didn't look like a liability. We never really got to see his mean streak though.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I didn't think his speed was that bad, just a bit of a weird style with him hunched over at the waist. Better skating than Hanowski his first (only?)time up IMO.

[GranteedEV]

My favorite shift from him was when he had I think Jooris (?) on the left wing and made his way through two bodies. The puck didn't make it to him, but it really gave this team an element it's been missing - a physicality that isn't based on hits or fights, but just a willingness to absorb, nay, invite contact en route to good positioning. Watching him night in and night out could be huge for Monahan's development. Drury18 mentioned he was a "Bull in a china shop" and it was that shift that made me remember the description.

I also didn't think he was slow. Not quick, but perfectly adequate for the NHL. He looks funny when skating though... Like his center of gravity is all in his chest or something.

[dustyanddaflames]

As many have made mention, his skating is difficult to watch, but possesses decent speed I thought. What I was really impressed with was his board play down low, seemed to come away with the puck more often than not and thought he did a good job shielding it once it was retrieved. I would like to see a couple of more games to see if that continues.

[Bingo]

I hope he plays tonight, not sure about Hudler's health and Wolf's leg so doubtful, but I watched Saturday night on TV, and that's never the best way to judge a guy's skating.

[Stay Golden]

Hard to say the injury to Wolf definitely throws a curve ball into the small sample size of his shifts but Wolf showed enough that could compete for a 4th line role.
In a game where the Flames could use a banger he could fit that role.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Overall, I liked what he brought. He was skating hard, rarely caught out of position, and managed to create havoc in the offensive zone with his forecheck, even ringing a shot off the post. Seemed like a half-way intelligent player too, not a goon at all.

I worry about his agility and footwork at the NHL level though. He seems like a guy you would throw in the lineup against a big heavy team, but you would sit him against a smaller skilled team.

[Drury18]

I will admit, Wolf wasn't really showing a lot of the speed he had on Saturday. That one blast down the wing was a good example, but his skating wasn't the same level as I've seen with Adirondack. I'm sure nerves/excitement/all those feelings that come with playing Game 1 in the NHL factored into it. He looked like he was skating more cleanly in that video when they were on the rink in High River with the kids. It was a good showing of how he has that unique skating style. It isn't pretty but it gets him to where he needs to be and gets him into the play.

He did play what's essentially his game Saturday though. Use the body to get into spots and set himself up. I wish that puck went in and not off the bar because that was 100% his game right there. He will fight himself into the position to make the play. And his shot is decent when he can get it off.

Overall, I was pretty proud of his performance, but I think I'm an bias judgement here. As I mentioned in the game thread, there was a little squealing when I found out he was playing It's hard to cheer against him when he has such a great personality about the game and playing and those who helped get him here.

[Neeper]

Although I was really excited to see Wolf play, I have to say it's still a bit too early to pass judgement. I love his size. I can't wait to see him punch someone in the face.

[goodyear]

From way up in PL4, I definitely noticed him and he had a good first game. I didn't know he was in the lineup and that first shift he had was a plesant suprise. It was nice to see Hartely moved him on the lines as the game went on. Hope he gets into another game.

[Badgers Nose]

he looked like a maniac and then he was gone - not much of a sample size.

[ComixZone]

Of course it's too early to tell, but he did impress me. He looks like Lucic on the ice (that is to say, he looks like a hunchback)

[PeteMoss]

He started the 3rd playing with Monahan and Gaudreau but he got hurt on the first shift. Hartley liked his game.

[flamesfever]

He first caught my eye as he blew by us with a great burst of speed. From what I saw of him he didn't look out of place, and hopefully he will help fill the need to increase our overall size.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Yah, I thought he looked fairly quick for a big guy. Not much to say other than thought he always seemed to be in the right spot, trying the right thing. I'd be interested to see more.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I thought he looked good. First games are always tough to judge - look how many of the Flames' prospects have scored in their first games up, and haven't been seen since.

With that being said, he is exactly the type of player that Burke, Treliving and Hartley love to have. Big heavy players. He does without question have a decent shot and decent hands too. Skating has definitely improved since camp. Wolf did well, he created a bit of offence, he managed to make himself difficult to handle on a few shifts, and he got rewarded with better linemates.

Flames desperately want a guy like Wolf to work out. I bet Hartley wants his presence in the lineup regularly now, so Wolf will definitely get a decent look now that he finally got a game.

[dino7c]

he played well, hopefully he continues to bring the energy...looks like he has decent hands too. Talks like Arnold

[smoothessence]

At $925k, this is a good discussion after 2/3rds of a game played.

[FBI]

I kinda liked the fact that he was big and awkward and hunched over for some reason.. Definitely unique and easy to pick out.

[EuKnoLikeMonny]

I liked Wolf, had great presence along the wall and chipped in on the cycle.

Is an old enough guy/decent enough pro that he can play 4th line mins while letting an AHL guy (EuKnoLikeGranny) play top mins in the AHL.