Half way through the season: Player Grades

[FBI]

Well we've officially reached the half way point of not such a great season here. Time to get out my frustrations and hand out some player grades.

Gaudreau: A+
On pace for: 82gp, 36-48=84
Not much to say here. No sophomore slump, he's the catalyst for our offense. Exceptional season.

Brodie: A
On pace for: 73gp, 9-41=50
Basically our #1 D this year. Our defense solidified big time when he came back. Check out those assist totals even missing 9 games.

Bennett: B-
On pace for: 81gp, 12-18=30
Points haven't been coming but is definitely playing the right way and might explode soon.

Frolik: B-
On pace for: 71gp, 16-21=37
Pretty much as expected, decent player for us so far.

Jones: C+
On pace for: 82gp, 16-10=26
Gets the plus for scoring some goals early. Super streaky though and I imagine he'll be gone pretty soon.

Ramo: C+
Stats: 2.61 GAA, 0.910 SV%
Horrendous start, but redeeming himself.

Monahan: C
On pace for: 82 gp, 26-30=56
Not quite as solid as last year, hoping he picks it up more.

Hamilton: C
On pace for: 82gp, 12-18=30
Horrendous start but looking pretty good now and am excited about his potential.

Giordano: C
On pace for: 82gp, 20-30=50
Rough start after the injury like most of the team. Picking it up lately and still getting a good chunk of points.

Ferland: C
On pace for: 74gp, 4-13=17
Pretty slow going to start and certainly not like last years playoffs but is definitely picking it up lately and I still think we have a big time player here in the future.

Russell: C-
On pace for: 79gp, 4-20=24
Still doing well on blocking shots and seems to be helping stabilize Hamilton.

Granlund: C-
On pace for: 61gp, 9-3=12
Meh, see my other thread on him heh..

Stajan: C-
On pace for: 82gp, 8-10=18
Pretty invisible most of the season but playing ok defensively I guess. Scoring some goals lately.

Smid: D+
Hasn't done anything great but nothing bad either. I'm just glad he's able to play again.

Engelland: D+
On pace for: 76gp, 0-4=4
Same as Smid, can't really blame him for our suckiness.

Backlund: D
On pace for: 82gp, 10-26=36
Pretty underwhelming season so far. Was hoping for more.

Hudler: D
On pace for: 76gp, 10-32=42
Maybe a bit harsh if the injury was bugging him the whole season, but what a brutal season in a contract year.

Colborne: D
On pace for: 77gp, 10-21=31
Was expecting more from this guy in the same way I was expecting more from Backlund.

Hartley: D
Doesn't seem to be adjusting too well to teams figuring the flames out. Powerplay and penalty killing are unfathomably the worst in the league. Gets the D instead of the F for the 11 game home winning streak. Honorable mention to Gelinas F for special teams.

Wideman: D-
On pace for: 82gp, 4-34=38
Such an off year. 2 goals?? And Blah defensively.

Jooris: D-
On pace for: 68gp, 7-7=14
Pretty disappointed especially compared to last year.

Raymond: F
On pace for: 66gp, 7-2=9
Please get off the team.

Bollig: F
On pace for: 62gp, 2-2=4
Please get off the team.

Hiller: F
Stats: 3.76 GAA 0.862 SV%
Good luck in the future but it won't be with us.

Ortio: F
Kid never got a chance and sucked in his tiny opportunity and now is playing poor in Stockton

Bouma: N/A
Incomplete due to injury. Trending towards not so good though. Hope he picks it up soon.

I'm interested in everyone else's grades, if I seem too harsh or too nice.

[corporatejay]

Harsh grades dude.

Frolik has Come as advertised. Are your grades relative to the best player In the league or expectations?

[FBI]

Relative to my expectations.. I guess my expectations were too high. Yeah I don't mind Frolik that's why he's in the B range heh.

Originally Posted by corporatejay

Harsh grades dude.

Frolik has Come as advertised. Are your grades relative to the best player In the league or expectations?

[flamesforcup]

id qualify frolik as an A he is exactly what i expected

[Monahan For Mayor]

I have some different grades.

Gaudreau: A+
Dynamic player dragged this team through the mud to begin the season. He is a star in this league and he shows it.

Brodie: A+
Dynamic this year. The guy is really proving he's a legit #1. Absolute stud in all zones.

Monahan: B+
I think a lot of his troubles have been because he hasn't had an effective RW all year. He has been double teamed and focused on heavily. He is still putting up points at a very fair rate for his age and deployment.

Frolik: B
Brings exactly what we expected. Could finish more of his opportunities but has been great. Really hoping he gets back soon.

Gio: B
He had a very tough start to the season. However even with his rough start he was coming back from major injury and has been very good the last month and half.

Bennett: B-
Becoming a force but not quiet there yet.

Hamilton: B-
Much like Gio had a rough start, but I'm considering that a matter of circumstances. He had to learn new systems, tons of minutes, new d partner. Since Brodies return he has been playing at a level consistent with Gio IMO.

Granlund: C+
Since his call up has been very solid defensively and has been a threat on offence. I already like him more than Backlund.

Stajan: C+
Gets some of the toughest minutes on the team. He can be counted on to play a very sound defensive game, don't care what his point totals are those are bonus.

Ramo: C+
Has taken over the net, and played good. Continues to climb.

Ferland: C+
Played his role very well. Has played hard this year, but can be inconsistent. If he gets his consistency figured out will be very effective in the back half.

Smid: C
Has looked very good when he get put in the line up. I have liked him better than half our dmen.

Engelland: C-
Had a very strong start. Seems to gone back to an average 6-7 Dman.

Backlund: C-
Meh... It just seems like this is what we have. I'd trade him at the deadline or draft.

Jones: C-
Very inconsistent. Trade him if possible.

Wideman: D
His skating is getting slower and slower. He is a liability in our own zone, and now his best trait his goal scoring ability is dry.

Russell: D
Horrible defensively. A liability in the defensive zone. Has looked good in the offensive zone on occasion but gets hemmed into his own zone to often to get offensive zone time.

Colborne: D-
Looks bad this year. Still think he has some value tho.

Hudler: D-
Don't know if it was just the injury but he hasn't played a good game all year.

Hiller: F
Played maybe 1 good game all year.

[GranteedEV]

Gaudreau: A
The Points are there. I do feel like there's still something separating him from his potential though. It might just be something as basic end-to-end speed that I think he can improve on.

Brodie: A+
Deserves consideration as the best Dman in the league. He's that good.

Bennett: B+
Just doesn't seem to be a winger.

Frolik: B
I like him, but his shot is a muffin.

Jones: C-
I dunno, his forecheck game isn't really there. Really opportunistic scorer but that's about it.

Ramo: B+
He keeps playing well and we make the playoffs.

Monahan: B
Pretty much the same as last year. Wish he would take that next step as a puck-carrying center.

Hamilton: A
Not gonna dock grade for the tough start given the context. He's been probably the best #3D in the league. Unfortunately Hartley thinks he's a #5D when it comes to icetime distribution.

Giordano: B-
Also not gonna blame him for the rough start. He's definitely great now.

Ferland: B+
Thought he was being unfairly criticized early for not being a hitting machine. Hasn't had a bad game this season in my opinion, even if it's only recently that he's been stringing together good ones. But boy has he ever.

Russell: B+
Russell is doing the best he possibly can for a bottom pair defenseman inexplicably being pidgeonholed into a top 4 role. He is, however, an awesome bottom pair defenseman.

Granlund: C-
Russell is doing the best he possibly can for a skill winger inexplicably being pidgeonholed into a center role. He is, however, a winger. I'd like to see him hit the net more often.

Stajan: A
Real happy with Stajan, probably his best year as a Flame. Although I still prefer he not be matched up with Getzlaf because Getzlaf and Perry own him.

Smid: C
I like what I've seen. I haven't seen enough.

Engelland: D+
I blame him for shattering Ortio's confidence in preseason, and then for blackmailing Hartley into the epic Wideman-Engelland pairing which I still don't understand other-than-the-leftovers-except-Smid-is-better.

Backlund: B
He's been fine, I don't think he has the chemistry with Frolik that we wanted though. Would like a few more goals, shot is a muffin.

Hudler: C
Played bad the last week or two before shutting it down but really, was on a career average pace. Felt people were scapegoating him a bit too much in games where he was invisible just because he wasn't getting points on everything and anything like last year, where he was basically Sidney Crosby except he's not Sidney Crosby he's Jiri Hudler.

Colborne: D+
Just not a Top 9 guy. 4th liner being over-utilized. Problem is you can't find a role for him. Not great defensively so the liability on a checking line. Not good enough offensively to play through good checking on a scoring line.

Hartley: C-
Sometimes he's frustrating. Okay, he's often frustrating. But there are things about this team you can't argue with.

Wideman: C+
He's Wideman. Unfortunately, he's Wideman-with-Engelland, Wideman-on-the-Top-Pair, Wideman-with-Russell, and my favorite, Wideman-the-PPQB-taking-precious-PP-Minutes-From-Dougie his team-worst +/- speaks more to the fact that he's consistently on poorly-constructed pairings than anything he is doing poorly. Though I could do without the classic "goal off of Wideman's skate" play.

Jooris: B
Other than some dumb penalties in November he's been really good. Unfortunately Hartley decided he would make an example out of him as the press box regular. When he's in though, you can see what he brings to the team.

Raymond: D+
Feel bad for the guy, so tough for him to find chemistry with anybody and his balance is terrible. But I'll give him credit for that great game he played against the Blackhawks on the top line. We don't win that one without him.

Bollig: F
What a waste of roster space.

Hiller: D
Had some games early on where he wasn't bad, but the team in front of him was. Had some other games more recently where the team in front of him wasn't bad, but he was. Hasn't had a chance to really put it all together. Can't blame the team for going with Ramo and I won't blame him for his stats either. Tough season for him.

[djsFlames]

Gaudreau, Brodie, Frolik get As. All are bringing what is asked of them. In the case of the former two, even exceeding the expectations of everyone.
Bennett, Hamilton, Ferland, Stajan, Smid, Ramo get Bs. Good, but each can bring a little more. Mostly in the form of consistency.
Giordano, Monahan, Russell, Jones, Backlund, Hudler, Engelland get Cs and all have room for improvement. Most need not look any further than last season as to what they're capable of playing like.
Everyone else is D or below and need to pick their game the #### up ASAP, for the team and their own sakes.
Bouma and Granlund are exempt as there aren't really expectations to be put on them due to their circumstances. A bit more offense from Granlund would be welcomed though.

[heep223]

I think Monahan is playing a lot better than ppl are giving him credit for. Just needs to fire the puck more and get his confidence back.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by heep223

I think Monahan is playing a lot better than ppl are giving him credit for. Just needs to fire the puck more and get his confidence back.

I think he's playing about as well as he was last year - his points half way through this season and last are pretty close when I last checked. Maybe people are disappointed because they expected him to take another step this year. IMO, he either needs to improve his skating or play bigger in order to take that next step.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by D as in David

I think he's playing about as well as he was last year - his points half way through this season and last are pretty close when I last checked. Maybe people are disappointed because they expected him to take another step this year. IMO, he either needs to improve his skating or play bigger in order to take that next step.

I think his skating is fine and he's looked good both sides of the puck. The real issue is that the Flames pp was anemic to start the season. Now that it's heating up I wouldn't be surprised if he starts piling up points.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Tough marker! Glad you weren't my high school teacher. Fair to say that many may have disappointed against your expectations, though.

For me, most are meeting expectation, except for Hudler, Russell and to some extent, Wideman. Gio and Ramo started horribly, but I think they are on track now, so their grading is tough.

Monahan I think deserves more credit. He is getting his chances and I think he may still crack approach 30 goals, which is excellent.

Edit: Same as heep.

[Red Menace]

A: Gaudreau & Brodie
B+: Giordano
B: Bennett, Monahan, Frolik
B-: Ramo, Backlund, Hamilton, Hudler
C+: Stajan, Ferland, Jooris, Granlund, Jones
C: Colborne, Wideman, Russell, Engelland, Bouma, Smid, Hiller
C-: Raymond, Bollig

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

Tough marker! Glad you weren't my high school teacher. Fair to say that many may have disappointed against your expectations, though.

For me, most are meeting expectation, except for Hudler, Russell and to some extent, Wideman. Gio and Ramo started horribly, but I think they are on track now, so their grading is tough.

Monahan I think deserves more credit. He is getting his chances and I think he may still crack approach 30 goals, which is excellent.

Edit: Same as heep.

The Flames are in 5th last place and 26th overall. Tough failing grades should be handed out. There are only a handful of players who are A grade (Gaudreau, Brodie). A couple Bs (Frolik comes to mind, maybe Bennett). Mostly Cs to Fs for me.

But the biggest fail of all IMO is the coaching staff. Failure to adjust mid-game. Mind-boggling lines. Worst PP and PK in the league. I'm a big Hartley supporter. But other then the big winning streak (where both our PP and PK still sucked), they have been the biggest failure IMO. Mostly because of the failure to adapt to the opposition , the special teams, and how often it seems he's being out-coached.

[Red Menace]

BONUS Prospect grades:
A: Mangiapane, Andersson
A-: Hickey,
B+: Kylington, Jankowski
B: Gillies, Ollas-Mattsson, F.Hamilton, Grant, Agostino, Arnold, Gilmour, Kulak, Nakladal, Elson, McDonald
B-: Ortio, Shore, Poirier, Hathaway, BVB, Karnaukhov, Rafikov, Poulin
C+: Klimchuk, Carroll, Wotherspoon, Sieloff, Kanzig, Schneider, Culkin
C: Morrisson, Smith,
D: DeBlouw, Harrison

[Karl]

Gaudreau: A+

Brodie: A

Bennett: B-

Frolik: B+

Jones: C+

Ramo: C+

Monahan: B-

Hamilton: B+
Horrendous start but looking way better overall now.

Giordano: C+

Ferland: B+

Russell: D

Granlund: C

Stajan: B- Torn between giving him a C+ or a B-. Went with the latter.

Smid: C+ Has looked better than Engelland when playing this year.

Engelland: C

Backlund: C+ Torn between giving him a C or C+. Went with the latter.

Hudler: D+

Colborne: D+

Hartley: C

Wideman: D+

Jooris: C-

Raymond: F+
Just not much good at all anymore but he does try hard. Still, please get off the team.

Bollig: F
Can't do anything halfway ok except punch faces. Not a NHL-calibre player in any sense other than I guess facepunching. Does not deserve to be on an NHL team.

Hiller: F-
Looking like he's done.

Ortio: N/A

Bouma: N/A

[PsYcNeT]

Been saying it since last season

[Karl]

If anyone hates the fact that I gave Fs (or more specifically F+, F & F-) to Raymond, Bollig & Hiller, so be it.

I expected alot more from Raymond & Hiller in particular, but it's clear that they're not very good at all anymore.

As for Bollig, it's fair to say that expectations should not have been much for him. That said, I still at least expected him to be somewhat better at playing the game of hockey than all of Jackman, McGrattan & Westgarth, not literally be as bad as they are at playing the game (actually I think Bollig is even a little worse at playing hockey than Tim Jackman).

[Karl]

So does anyone have a good reason why Hiller, Raymond & Bollig should not deserve F grades??

[JJ1532]

Originally Posted by Karl

So does anyone have a good reason why Hiller, Raymond & Bollig should not deserve F grades??

Hiller and Raymond I'll give you. But Bollig, what did you expect? Last season, he played 62 games, scored 5 points and took a bunch of penalties. This season, he's on to play 62 games, score 4 points and take a bunch of penalties. For me, he's performing as I expected.

If you're giving him a failing grade, then for me you are expecting too much from him.

[polak]

Way too many passing grades in some of your lists for a basement team.

My list (A pass means you have met minimum expectations i.e. an okay year)

Gaudreau: A+
Exceeded Expectations – Catalyst of our offense. I think he’d be top 4 in scoring with better players around him

Brodie: A+
Exceeded Expectations – Our Defensive cornerstone.

Bennett: C+
Met Expectations – Playing a good game but that won’t keep him in the NHL on its own. Has to contribute more consistently. Not worried though.

Frolik: C+
Met Expectations

Jones: C
Met Expectations – My expectations are not reflective of his contract though.

Ramo: B-
Improving on Expectations – Struggled hard when the team in front of him was hot garbage but has since been solid. Ignore his rough start and he’s played like a #1.

Monahan: D
Performing under expectations – It’s like his sophomore slump has come a year late. Honestly if it wasn’t for Johnny, he might have an F. Not worried though, slumps happen.

Hamilton: C
Met Expectations – Struggled hard but has since picked it up and is playing like he should. Super excited to see what he grows into.

Giordano: D+
Performing under Expectations – This would have been an F earlier in the year but he has picked it up lately. Still WELL below the Norris level defenseman we expected when he was re-signed.

Ferland: B+
Improving on Expectations – He was playing like l expected all season (3rd line grinder) but has lately shown some offensive confidence has consequently moved up the line up.

Russell: F
Failing to meet expectations – Worse than last year. Lots of sloppy play being masked by shot blocking. One of the main contributors to our defensive struggles this year.

Granlund: C
Met Expectations – Played like expected, looks to be topping out as a bottom 6 player/tweener.

Stajan: B+
Exceeded Expectations – I like his game a lot. Plays a great energy game.

Smid: C
Met Expectations

Engelland: B+
Exceeding Expectations – Frankly he sucks less than Russell and Wideman this year. So there’s that?

Backlund: D+
Performing under expectations – He’s playing like a 3rd line center on the second line. He played better last season I think, that’s why he doesn’t have a higher grade.

Hudler: F
Failing to meet expectations – Hot garbage to be honest. Very little in terms of positive contribution to the team. Hopefully it’s injury related. Thank you Jiri for doing it on your contract year and not after we re-sign you ala Gio

Colborne: F--------- minus --- get off this team ---
Ugh. Just the worst.

Hartley: F
Failing to meet expectations – Quickly looking like a passenger coach. Has one system and zero ability to adjust his gameplan on the fly. Also takes the fall for the special teams. Considering both are last in the league and the team has been bad outside of that 11 game stretch, he gets a hard fail from me. But you already knew that.

Wideman: F-
Failing to meet expectations – I think his dramatic fall from grace is one of the main reasons this team is struggling. Went from being a solid #3 to barely NHL level. Lots of poor decisions, lots of shooting it into defenders legs and lots of coughing up the puck. Him and Russell can probably shoulder 90% of the blame for this season in my eyes. Remember when people thought we had the best top 4 in the league? Hahaha 

Jooris: F
Failing to meet expectations – Not really failing so much as paying the price for a fluke year. Too bad. O’well don’t think anyone is surprised.

Raymond: F-
Can carry Colbornes bags for him on the way out.

Bollig: F-
Useless. Just a big pylon.

Hiller: F
Poor guy had the same start as Ramo but Ramo got his chance and ran with it. I’m sure Hiller would have figured it out too if he got the same stretch but instead he got injured and ruined his season. Probably his career too.

Ortio: N/A

Bouma: N/A