[PGT] Flames beat the Wings 3-2

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Justin

Am I alone in saying that Dougie Hamilton has made huge strides the last several games? Since he's been paired up with Giordano I actually feel confident when Dougie is on the ice.

He certainly has a huge upside and tons of talent. Hope he doesn't get traded like a lot of CP are hoping for.

You are not alone. I have been extremely disappointed with Hamilton since he started playing for the Flames, and even more disappointed with his contract.

But he is one of the biggest reasons for the team's better play in last few games and if he can produce like this on a consistent basis, I will be very, very happy.

As for trading him, well I suppose it always depends on what you get back in return. One thing I still don't like, and its not just with Hamilton, is that last two years team seems to play better when pressure if off a bit. I would like to see Hamilton start a season strong. If the Flames do climb back into it, I will be very interested to see how guys like Hamilton respond.

[Robbob]

I think playing with Gio is giving the players that confidence to step up and push the play forward. Really like what Hamilton is doing right now.

I also think that the players have or are getting real close to getting the new system down. In a interview last week Treliving was talking about the coaching and mentioned they are playing a system (possession game) that you need to play if you want to win.

The five on five play is there, they just need to start getting the PP going. I think since they had a chance to make the adjustments they are getting a lot of good looks and probably have been unlucky not to score more on this recent stretch.

[CroFlames]

I see tons of improvement, heart, effort, structure, etc from the Flames in the last 4 or 5 games. Lots of positives.

The Flames' best players still aren't their best players though. Slow start, big contract, new system, etc are all excuses at this point. Gio, Brodie and Monahan need to be way better. I am confident it will happen, but it better happen in the next 1-2 games IMO.

[Poe969]

And Bennett needs to step up in a big way. He's the highest drafted player in Flames history but he needs to know that even he can't do things by himself. He's getting frustrating to watch.

[Toonage]

Someone (I believe on this forum) suggested Bennett was our Taylor Hall. While thats a bit unfair, I get where they're coming from. A lot of individual play, a lot of junior tricks that fail and a lot of undisciplined penalties. I think his story will end better with his draft team than Hall's did. At least I'm hoping.

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

^Phil Hartman GIFs make me sad

phil hartman gifs get results

you gotta stick with what works

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Poe969

And Bennett needs to step up in a big way. He's the highest drafted player in Flames history but he needs to know that even he can't do things by himself. He's getting frustrating to watch.

He's playing like Johnny was earlier, trying to do it all himself. I think that's partly because Monahan gets rid of the puck by passing into traffic so the recipient is unlikely to get it or making passes directly to the opposition. It tempts players to try to do it themselves. As Monahan's play improves, I think this issue will sort itself out.

[Poe969]

They don't have to play together...If Monahan and Bennett aren't working out, try them with others or spend more time with them so they "buy in" to the system. This is a case where the coaching staff and leadership on the team need to pull him aside and say something, soon.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Poe969

They don't have to play together...If Monahan and Bennett aren't working out, try them with others or spend more time with them so they "buy in" to the system. This is a case where the coaching staff and leadership on the team need to pull him aside and say something, soon.

The one thing I like about Bennett replacing Gaudreau during his injury is that Bennett can skate the puck into the offensive zone.

[Huntingwhale]

I'm kind of disappointed with Bennett's plays, especially the dumb penalties. But he's also a very young player learning to play centre. He will come around.

And if we are going to judge the top players based on their huge contracts, then it's hard to lay a lot of blame on Bennett when you look at his paycheck.

I still think he'll be a stud one day. But not everyone comes out of the gates like gangbusters ala Gaudreau or Monahan.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Beatle17

I get everyone loves Bennett, I like him too, but people need to get realistic and watch him play. He never passes the puck, so of course his linemates will look like "floaters" as you call them.

Bennett's linemates Monahan and Brouwer both have LONG histories of being floaters. Since before Bennett was in the NHL.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Bennett's linemates Monahan and Brouwer both have LONG histories of being floaters. Since before Bennett was in the NHL.

Go on.......

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Go on.......

100% of Monahan's goals over his career came from simply lollygagging in the offensive zone and waiting for a one-timer. It's common knowledge at this point, duh. His Selke votes were an obvious mistake because he can't play defense whatsoever.

Did I mention he's got the most goals and points in that draft class? CLEARLY a floater.

EDIT: Probably worth mentioning he has more goals than Nugent-Hopkins.... who was drafted in 2011.

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Go on.......

Yeah, last season Brouwer only got 13 points in 20 playoff games, and only one of them was a game winner.
I also can't believe the blues let him average 18:59 minutes on the ice during their conference final run...

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Go on.......

Blaming Bennett for Monahan and Brouwer playing like Monahan and Brouwer is absurd. They are what they are. Bennett has played with guys like Backlund, Gaudreau, Versteeg, Ferland, Tkachuk and Frolik in the past and seemed to have no difficulty using his linemates then. Even Colborne had okay-ish chemistry with Bennett and Colborne doesn't have that with.... anyone.

Is he guilty of some junior plays that a guy like Monahan won't (can't) make? Sure, but you coach all of that completely out of him and you are just putting a cap on his potential. It's a fine line. People really want him becoming Stajan or Backlund, it seems.

BTW I have no problem with Monahan being a "floater" on a line with two guys that are not. Right now the line has two similar players and the one guy willing to make a play with the puck out of traffic is taking all the heat for not being a veteran distributor.

[zukes]

Ferland was mentioned earlier in the thread and it is correct that he does not need to take runs to hit and hit hard. Watch the reactions of the guys that he hits. Most are stunned or legit hurt after the hit. Not injured, but you can tell that they just HURT.

I thought I saw somewhere that another player said that Ferland has the hardest punch in the league as well.

[MrMastodonFarm]

The criticisms of Bennett still using too many singular junior moves has been happening this season, before he was teamed up with Brouwer and Monahan. calgaryblood is one poster who mentioned it rather early. I think it's a bit overblown but it's there.

For a guy who preaches about advanced stats and taking emotion out analysis you're really guilty of it when it comes to a select few players.

And anyone who describes a player who goes into the prime scoring areas to score goals as a floater doesn't understand that term.

[Galakanokis]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Blaming Bennett for Monahan and Brouwer playing like Monahan and Brouwer is absurd. They are what they are. Bennett has played with guys like Backlund, Gaudreau, Versteeg, Ferland, Tkachuk and Frolik in the past and seemed to have no difficulty using his linemates then. Even Colborne had okay-ish chemistry with Bennett and Colborne doesn't have that with.... anyone.

Is he guilty of some junior plays that a guy like Monahan won't (can't) make? Sure, but you coach all of that completely out of him and you are just putting a cap on his potential. It's a fine line. People really want him becoming Stajan or Backlund, it seems.

BTW I have no problem with Monahan being a "floater" on a line with two guys that are not. Right now the line has two similar players and the one guy willing to make a play with the puck out of traffic is taking all the heat for not being a veteran distributor.

One day I was out for a walk during lunch hour, nice sunny day, down by the water, beautiful day. As I am strolling along minding my own business a women walked up to me and full on slapped me across the face. She then simply walked away. I stood there stunned, mouth open asking WTF was that? That post just brought those memories flooding back.

[dieHARDflameZ]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Blaming Bennett for Monahan and Brouwer playing like Monahan and Brouwer is absurd. They are what they are. Bennett has played with guys like Backlund, Gaudreau, Versteeg, Ferland, Tkachuk and Frolik in the past and seemed to have no difficulty using his linemates then. Even Colborne had okay-ish chemistry with Bennett and Colborne doesn't have that with.... anyone.

Is he guilty of some junior plays that a guy like Monahan won't (can't) make? Sure, but you coach all of that completely out of him and you are just putting a cap on his potential. It's a fine line. People really want him becoming Stajan or Backlund, it seems.

BTW I have no problem with Monahan being a "floater" on a line with two guys that are not. Right now the line has two similar players and the one guy willing to make a play with the puck out of traffic is taking all the heat for not being a veteran distributor.

Let's call a spade a spade, that entire line was hot garbage last night which is unfortunate as it looked like they were starting to get things going for a couple of games prior to that.

With that said, Bennett does need to be smarter with the puck. He consistently tries to beat three guys which often results in him coughing up the puck. I love the way the kid plays in terms of playing the body and going to the tough areas to try and make something happen. Quite frankly Monahan could take a page out of his book when it comes to playing with some intensity.

Monny has been a turnover machine so far this season (as has Johnny). I don't fault Bennett for that lines lack of success last night, he's still learning the game. However, he needs to eliminate the silly penalties and just make the smart easy plays once in a while.

[Zevo]

Monahan a floater?