Do Bennett & Wotherspoon debut Saturday?

[sharkov]

They need to rest wideman Russell hudler, Monaghan and jh. Those guys have been playing out of their minds in the past month

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by Mattman

Gaudreau- Monahan- Bennett would have me weak in the knees.

As much fun as that would be, I'd rather have Bennett slot in on a line that he could stay on into the playoffs if he plays well enough. Something like Raymond - Bennett - Colborne.

[FBI]

Playing Bennett and Wotherspoon might actually give us more of a chance to win as those guys will be going balls to the wall..

[automaton 3]

I'd be surprised if we don't see Bennett and Wotherspoon. Shore should draw in too.

Any updates on Diaz or Bouma?

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Would certainly rest
- Hiller
- Hudler
- One of Wideman/Russell/Brodie - probably Russell
- Johnny

Put in all the healthy guys.

You gotta let Johnny play to let him have a chance at solidifying his rookie point lead IMO. It could come down to who has more points between him and Stone for the Calder, so I think Hartley gives him the opportunity and the rest of the team spends all night trying to feed him

[Reggie Dunlop]

Johnny has to Hockey.

Johnny plays the 'Peg

[crapshoot]

Wotherspoon over Potter would be such a tremendous upgrade right away, so there's no reason at all sitting Wotherspoon against Winnipeg. That sequence against the Kings where Potter lost the puck at center ice, scrambled back as hard as he possibly could just to fall on his butt in spectacular fashion was fantastic though.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

You gotta let Johnny play to let him have a chance at solidifying his rookie point lead IMO. It could come down to who has more points between him and Stone for the Calder, so I think Hartley gives him the opportunity and the rest of the team spends all night trying to feed him

I've been debating here, rest vs the Calder... keep in mind Johnny usually plays a lot fewer games in collage+extras, so he could mentally wear down.

I think the best balance is dress him and play him on the PP and soft, offensive zone starts... gives him a bit of a break.

[noreply]

We need a win for home ice against the Canucks. I say play Ortio and Bennett. Balls to the Walls..... ya'll

[getbak]

Originally Posted by calgARI

I know no call-ups before Saturday, but are call-ups allowed after that? Assume Poirier, Wolf, probably Cundari are the next guys in line with several others deserving to get up.

They can't make any more non-emergency recalls from Adirondack until the Baby Flames' season is complete.

The AHL regular season runs one week longer than the NHL this season, for some reason. The AHL Flames' last game is next Sunday, April 19.

It's not looking good for Adirondack to make the playoffs, so Calgary would be able to call up players after the 20th.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Johnny has to Hockey.

Johnny plays the 'Peg

His amazing season finally kicked into gear in Winnipeg, it's only fitting that he play the final game there.

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I've been debating here, rest vs the Calder... keep in mind Johnny usually plays a lot fewer games in collage+extras, so he could mentally wear down.

I think the best balance is dress him and play him on the PP and soft, offensive zone starts... gives him a bit of a break.

The first round won't start until Wednesday at the earliest, so it's three full days off anyway.

[Red John]

Not sure having home ice for this series is even a good thing.

When you have two teams evenly matched, it's much better to start on the road aiming for a split than to have pressure on you to win twice just to hold serve.

Firmly believe the NHL should allow the higher seeded team to choose whether to start series at home or on the road.

In this particular case it seems like an advantage to start on the road. So rest guys up against Winnipeg, get Ortio and Bennett some playing time and see where the chips fall. Might win that game anyway given Winnipeg has nothing to play for.

[stemit14]

Would be awesome to see Bennett in game action. Would be especially awesome if he looks all-world in that game. Even if he lights it up though, I doubt he makes the opening night playoff roster. But it gives the flames an option during the playoffs.

If him and Shore both play on Saturday, their performances could influence who gets the first call up into the line up if an injury occurs or if a roster player really struggles during the first round

[Itse]

I fully expect to see Wotherspoon and Bennett against Winnipeg. Much better to get those first game nerves out now than in game 7 when the injuries have started piling up. Those guys need all the experience they can get if they're supposed to help them team.

[Samuelsson]

I'd like them both to. It's gonna be an enjoyable game for me to watch knowing that both the Flames and the Jets are in. Seeing Bennett and Wotherspoon will make up for the *probable* lack of competitiveness now that they've both clinched. Shame Ehlers can't suit up for Winnipeg.

Plus it's at 8pm so... prime viewing time for me.

[Buzzard]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I've been debating here, rest vs the Calder... keep in mind Johnny usually plays a lot fewer games in collage+extras, so he could mentally wear down.

I think the best balance is dress him and play him on the PP and soft, offensive zone starts... gives him a bit of a break.

He's already played 40 some odd games more than he's been used to. I'd think if he was going to wear down mentally it would have happened by now. If anything, he's likely mentally stronger now than he's been all year.

Play him, let him pad those stats!

[Southside]

I think you have to give a few guys a breather. Insert Bennett, Wotherspoon and Shore. Aside from that just reduce ice time for the top lines and give a little more to the rest. We will have a few days before the playoffs start, but, we don't want to run out of gas, we can let the pedal off a little for this game.

[nfotiu]

The problem with resting people is that they will have at least 5 days off between games. That sounds like too long a layoff, unless they are hurt.

[Southside]

Think of it more as rehab than rest. It's been a long season and hopefully will be a long playoff run. There are likely all kinds of minor bumps and bruises to tend to.

[kyuss275]

I would say yes they draw in. I would also think Shore draws in and if Byron is healthy so does he. To bad we don't have another dman that could draw in.