[GDT] Flames @ Blackhawks. 6:30 PM. Sportsnet, Fan 960

[CroFlames]

I hope Picklepakka gets a goal tonight.

[fire_starter]

I think Sam Picklett will finally pot one tonight

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I just hope that Sean "I like pickles"* Monahan gets going.








*because he's boring.

[Knut]

I think Sitting in an NHL pressbox for a few games is great from a learning standpoint. You can sit up there with NHL players and assistant coaches and gain insight on how the game is played at an NHL level. As long as he does not sit there for weeks on end he will be just fine. Expect him back for a few games a much better player.

[puckedoff]

I kind of like the defense pairings this way especially when we are playing against a team with two really strong lines. Wideman has not been terrible with Gio, and Brodie/Engelland are much stronger defensively than anything with Hamilton on it.

*** Note - I'm not saying we won't get lit up, but it may the most effective way to play our thin defense.

[ResAlien]

Elliott in net. Hawks win 6-3 since unfortunately nothing about how he's played this year makes me think he's an upgrade on Hiller or even Ortio for that matter. Torch and pitchfork sales continue to skyrocket in the Calgary metro area.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Hes

I think Sitting in an NHL pressbox for a few games is great from a learning standpoint. You can sit up there with NHL players and assistant coaches and gain insight on how the game is played at an NHL level. As long as he does not sit there for weeks on end he will be just fine. Expect him back for a few games a much better player.

Sure, however for an 18 year old this is a risky plan.

The Flames need to either play him in a quality spot (i.e. not 4th line)

Or send him down.

Coach is under lots of pressure, its an easy decision to sit the rookie.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Hes

I think Sitting in an NHL pressbox for a few games is great from a learning standpoint. You can sit up there with NHL players and assistant coaches and gain insight on how the game is played at an NHL level. As long as he does not sit there for weeks on end he will be just fine. Expect him back for a few games a much better player.

On top of that I think spreading his 9 games out also gives him some valuable NHL practice time. Lets be honest, as soon as he is sent to London he is done pretty much till May. Unless the Flames or Stockton go on run, this period will be the only pro hockey he sees this year. Why not extend it for more then the first 9 team games if through practices and learning NHL systems you get a better player.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by flambers

Sure, however for an 18 year old this is a risky plan.

The Flames need to either play him in a quality spot (i.e. not 4th line)

Or send him down.

Coach is under lots of pressure, its an easy decision to sit the rookie.

Maximize the teaching time without compromising his development is a good thing. He can sit in the pressbox and see how someone like Brouwer plays from up top. He can see how Hossa plays in the defensive zone as well. Come back and apply that in the next few games. If he is still not picking it up quickly, then you send him down.

[polak]

Originally Posted by ResAlien

Elliott in net. Hawks win 6-3 since unfortunately nothing about how he's played this year makes me think he's an upgrade on Hiller or even Ortio for that matter. Torch and pitchfork sales continue to skyrocket in the Calgary metro area.

Still going to blame the goalies hey?

[ResAlien]

Originally Posted by polak

Still going to blame the goalies hey?

Until you can figure out how to blame Monahan, yes.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Hes

Maximize the teaching time without compromising his development is a good thing. He can sit in the pressbox and see how someone like Brouwer plays from up top.

He can see how Hossa plays in the defensive zone as well. Come back and apply that in the next few games. If he is still not picking it up quickly, then you send him down.

Sure I agree its a good learning experience, as long as the press box time is minimal.

I would rather see him play lots (i.e. OHL /WJC) , then sit in the press box.

Personally don't believe this is an issue of the player not "picking it up".

Coach is playing the more experienced lineup, due to the slump.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I just hope that Sean "I like pickles"* Monahan gets going.


*because he's boring.

I dunno, taking a stand either way on pickles almost seems too controversial.

[Bunk]

Flames 3-6 on PP. Win 4-2 with an empty netter. We gonna win!

Bennett
Gio
Monahan
Frolik (EN)

[Yoho]

The reality of confusion and tough schedule set in tonight. 6-2 Hawks. Sorry ��

[hockey.modern]

Elliott plays good, I say 3-1

[KootenayFlamesFan]

No confidence in this team right now.

8-1 Hawks.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

nm

[Racki]

I have no reason to believe the Flames will win this game but I think that they do.

[madmike]

6-2 Hawks.