[PGT] Flames beat Devils 3-2

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by Loudog

Hamilton's best game of the season

I actually think Hamilton has looked really good since Brodie returned. Maybe it's the new partners or maybe Brodie took a bit of the pressure of him, but Hamilton is playing a much more simplified and consistent game.

I think at first he was trying to do too much out there maybe to justify his contract, but he's head and shoulders above what he was to begin the season. Him and Brodie as a 1-2 in the future will be awesome.

[Chingas]

Great effort tonight and always fun to get a win. I am quite concerned over Hudler and Gios play lately.

Gio is not making any quick decisions. He is holding the puck too long, carrying it too long doing everything too long. To me it looks like he is over thinking everything. I would love to see him make a decision and execute immediately rather that the extended pause, hold, hold, skate, hold, think, and sh*t the bed that we have been seeing from him lately. I would prefer that he made a quick move with the puck and make a mistake rather than kill 10 seconds while still making the wrong play. Most of what made our D effective last year was quick decisions and great outlet passes. This year they all think it is a damn chess game. Watching Schlemko's performance tonight made it obvious to me what our guys are doing wrong.

Hamilton looks to have turned a corner. Really like his game tonight and hope this is a step in the direction that all of us hope he will go.

Ferland is looking quick and determined out there, I can see that line cashing in soon.

David Jones can be such a good player when he is skating hard and on his game. Glad to see him show up lately and help us work through this slump.

Sam Bennett, what can you say about this kid except for he so tenacious that he will not be denied. I am excited to watch this kid for years to come.

[Nobama]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

luongo gets a pass because of this..

No. We won despite having 7ou on our team.

We won because of Iggy.

[Erick Estrada]

The first 10 minutes looked every bit as bad as their worst efforts but after that they played much better and I like how they didn't sit back with the lead in the 3rd period and continued to generate offense.

Only downside really was the play of the captain again. Hartley needs to figure out what he can do to help Gio out and maybe a game where his ice time is reduced as I don't know if he's trying to do too much but more often than not he's hurting the team. Maybe in a reduced role he would simplify things and get back to playing smarter hockey.

[Husky]

Originally Posted by Chingas

Ferland is looking quick and determined out there, I can see that line cashing in soon.

For the most part this season, Ferland has been a hot mess.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Originally Posted by FlameFan21

A little anecdote about that scene. Bill Murray actually bowled three strikes in a row, and the audience reactions (and Bill's) are completely genuine

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116778/trivia

[Flames_F.T.W]

Good game overall. Wideman still doesn't look great. Love what I'm seeing from Bennett though!

[JohnnyB]

Fun game to watch. I agree with all the Bennett love. He really dominated at times out there and just looks like he is becoming a force on the ice!

[Huntingwhale]

Even though they play different positions and different lines, I like our 1-2 punch being Gaudreau/Bennett. Such a similar skillset except that Gaudreau is more shifty and the playmaker we need. Bennett is just tenacious on the puck & brings the grit the team desperately needs. Can't wait to watch Bennett when he fills out. Such a beast already.

[sureLoss]

Faceoffs:

[cannon7]

One of Ramo's best games of the season. Seems to be finding his way.

Schneider was awful, Flames got a bit lucky there.

[Hackey]

Have to agree with all the Bennett love. Kid is going to be quite the players for many years to come. Gaudreau obviously is Gaudreau no concerns about him. Hamilton is looking better which is great to see. Brodie was impressive as usual. Gio and Hudler have been disappointing. I hope Gio just needs some time after the injury. Hudler should be trade bait in my opinion.

[Poe969]

Monahan is getting his stuff together, I still think he's going to be really good.

Bennett didn't win a single face off, what a bum!(green text implied) I still think he's going to be in the race for the Calder, the kid is amazing even when he isn't getting points.

[Huntingwhale]

The time to sell on Hudler is now. He has 13 pts in 20 games this seasons, which extrapolates to 53 pts over 82 games. That is close to his career average of ~50pts/season. Offensively he's where he's been most of his career. Sell high while everyone still thinks of him as this 70pts player from last season. While I like Hudler, I never wanted him re-signed after last season as he's worth more now then he'll ever be again.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by cannon7

One of Ramo's best games of the season. Seems to be finding his way.

Schneider was awful, Flames got a bit lucky there.

I didn't get to watch the game as I'm out of the country but on the highlights it seemed like Schneider made a lot of big saves.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

The time to sell on Hudler is now. He has 13 pts in 20 games this seasons, which extrapolates to 53 pts over 82 games. That is close to his career average of ~50pts/season. Offensively he's where he's been most of his career. Sell high while everyone still thinks of him as this 70pts player from last season. While I like Hudler, I never wanted him re-signed after last season as he's worth more now then he'll ever be again.

2 points in his last 7 games. Where does this 'sell high' come from?

I think every GM in the league knows that Hudler has been useless this season. Playing with Johnny Hockey just about every game and not doing anything with it. In a contract year no less..

[codynw]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Haha, that's awesome, we're their Honda Centre!

Difference is, Calgary plays in Anaheim multiple times a year. NJ plays in Calgary once a year now, and probably even less often than that before the realignment happened.

[BigFlameDog]

Unbelievable amount of whining for a pgt after a win....flames played great, but....jones played great, trade him now.....etc, etc.

C'mon people.....

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by BigFlameDog

Unbelievable amount of whining for a pgt after a win....flames played great, but....jones played great, trade him now.....etc, etc.

C'mon people.....

There's whining, but there's also honest hockey talk.

For instance, prior to this season, I wanted Hudler to be extended based on his play up until Christmas time. So far, his play has diminished and he doesn't seem to be that dynamic player no exhibit the same leadership guys rally around like he did last year. Hudler likely wants a raise. Do you want to pay him more than $4MM? I don't, so a trade is the logical step. If he was playing like a 70 point guy again and doing a lot of other things right, I would very much consider him at $4MM to $4.5MM.

Jones is essentially in the same boat. He's playing really well and makes $4MM. He is going to want a raise, or at the very least an extension similar to his current deal. I like Jones at about $3MM, not $4MM. A trade is in order, especially since he's playing hot. A team poised for playoffs will like a winger of his abilities.

[sureLoss]

With Jones you also have to wonder if he is one of those players that just seems to elevate his game in contract years.

His yearly production seems to support that theory.