[GDT] Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers / 7:00 PM / SN1 / SN960 / Scotiabank Saddledome

[Wiggum_PI]

I think the Flames win this one, simply because Grossman is in the pressbox.

Lets hope Elliott can at least put up a save percentage in the .900s

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Last year, Hartley put Bennett out against McDavid a few times and it really worked well. Bennett knows him as well as anyone and is highly motivated when competing against him.

If Bennett's line were to play McDavid's to a draw, and Backlund shut down RNH's line, SeanJohn would have a field day against the 3rd line.

Fairly certain when Bennett faced McDavid, Backlund was the centre on that line with Bennett on the left side and Frolik on the right.

Biggest thing is going to be getting Gio and Brodes out against McDavid.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I don't think it is right to characterize Desjardins as Gulutzen's "mentor." Before Desjardins was ever a NHL head coach he was one of Gulutzen's assistants in Dallas.

Yeah but he was still a coach long before Gulutzan was and is much older so it's not as if he couldn't be his mentor.

[ClubFlames]

As long as the D pairings stay the same as practice yesterday we will be fine.

Go Flames Go!

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Southside

Apparently the Oilers may be looking for Tkachuk.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/10/13/...on-last-night/

I think we will spend many years breaking down intent on Tkachuk incidents. To me a slew foot has to be from the blindside he was turned sideways to Davidson. More of a push than an intent to kick his feet out in my mind.

[belsarius]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I think we will spend many years breaking down intent on Tkachuk incidents. To me a slew foot has to be from the blindside he was turned sideways to Davidson. More of a push than an intent to kick his feet out in my mind.

I posted in the post game thread this is how I saw it. Davidson was hooking him as he raced for the puck and this pulled him off balance and as he went to hit Davidson his leg was behind and caused the fall. A slew foot to me is kicking out the legs of the opponent where to me this was more pushing someone over while getting your leg stuck behind theirs. If Davidson doesn't have his stick holding up Tkachuk's forward movement this incident doesn't happen.

[The Professor]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Last year, Hartley put Bennett out against McDavid a few times and it really worked well. Bennett knows him as well as anyone and is highly motivated when competing against him.

If Bennett's line were to play McDavid's to a draw, and Backlund shut down RNH's line, SeanJohn would have a field day against the 3rd line.

I have such a hard time understanding, or predicting Bennett as a player. I see flashes of what he is/could be. I keep having to remind myself that he is still very young and might take another year or two to find his game consistently.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Lets be real, they don't care about the play and are just pissed at the resulting injury.

I think that boarding call on Russell was bullcrap too. Tkachuk was skating to make the check and then russell turns his back in order to make his pass look fancier. Players need to be held accountable for their stupid decisions on the ice.

[Bingo]

I just love that Calgary has a player like that finally ... great distraction. The fact that he will score 40 some season will make it even better.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Fairly certain when Bennett faced McDavid, Backlund was the centre on that line with Bennett on the left side and Frolik on the right.

Biggest thing is going to be getting Gio and Brodes out against McDavid.

Nope. Bennett at center was being matched up to McDavid. First time was the game Frolik won at the end. Stajan-Frolik was third line, Bennett-Gaudreau was first line, Backlund-Bollig was fourth line, and Monahan-Hudler was second line. Second time was the 5-0 win late in the season where again Bennett was exclusive 3C.

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

Not crazy at all. Those are our 3 best/most dynamic offensive players on the top line. Tkachuk could set up Monahan a lot as he is a great passer with vision. I think it would definitely work but I question if the scoring would be balanced enough since the 2nd line would be offensively weaker without Bennett and Brouwer. But those 2 sure would make a ton of space for Johnny to work his magic.

I disagree with your assessment of these lines. Monahan is still definitely our 2nd best/most dynamic offensive forward, Bennett had just over half the points Monahan did last season. Also, in my opinion the jury is out as to whether Brouwer will be more effective than Versteeg, so right now I'd say that's a wash.

Based on that, the 2nd line wouldn't be offensively weaker, Bennett weakens the center position on the 1st line and Monahan strengthens it on the 2nd. Obviously there is a huge gap in offense between Gaudreau and Tkachuk, but since center is such an important position I'd say it nearly evens out.

My point is, I'd like to see these lines and I actually think it would be close to having two top lines... with the edge going to the 1st line because of Gaudreau.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Yeah but he was still a coach long before Gulutzan was and is much older so it's not as if he couldn't be his mentor.

He very well could be, but how can we know? In the absence of any real evidence I think it is probably best to view Gulutzen and Desjardins as former colleagues.

[calgaryblood]

Not to pile on SN but wow do they suck at telling a story. Tkachuk made a few questionable hits and plays and hardly a peep out of the PBP guys to build up that story as the game went along.

Oiler fans are irate at him, and so are the players but if you watched the game you wouldn't even know it.

[The Professor]

Also, I wish we had two Brouwers. He would also be a perfect fit on the top line.

[alan21]

Used to be so excited and all over the home opener but will likely opt to watch playoff baseball instead. Go Flames Go regardless.

Flames 3 McDaddy and friends 2

[Huntingwhale]

Ferlands needs to smash people in this game.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is 0 chance Bennett is going to play with Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and Bennett can create their own offense. They both can take the puck up ice and create a scoring opportunity out of nothing. Monahan is great at finishing, but he can't create offense by himself.

If you want a 1A and 1B line like you say you do, then you keep Bennett and Gaudreau on separate lines.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

I think you are right that it is unlikely but that is kind of disappointing for me. You would think we'd at least experiment with our most capable offensive players on the same line. Its not like the 2nd line would then be absolutely terrible, Tkachuk - Monahan - Versteeg isnt that bad at all considering we also have another line featuring Backlund and Frolik. I dont think putting Bennett and Gaudreau together necessarily means the rest of our lines will fail to score. The only problem I have with it is both Gaudreau and Bennett are at their best with the puck on their stick - so it does make sense to pair them with players who are able to finish or get open for a shot at least. Obviously they cant both have a puck out there so maybe that is reason enough to keep them split up - so they can be the point guard of their line so to speak.

[Vinny01]

My first night out since my wife had our baby 12 days ago. Also my first night and first season with season tickets. I know the Flames won't let me down they are getting the 2 points. Book it!!

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Crumpy-Gunt

I think you are right that it is unlikely but that is kind of disappointing for me. You would think we'd at least experiment with our most capable offensive players on the same line.

Hartley did have them on the same line for 3 or so games to get Bennett going early last season. Pretty sure he had 4 points in 3 games playing with Gaudreau, so it does work.

But I recall meanwhile the Monahan line was not producing at all. I wouldn't mind them together at times when they really need a goal, but I think overall it will hurt the team offense more than it helps.