[Game Takes] Flames 3 Stars 1

[Bingo]

http://www.calgarypuck.com/2017/03/g...mes-3-stars-1/

Have a look at Bennett's stats without Brouwer and Versteeg in the notes section

[chockfullofgoodness]

I had no idea Hudler wasn't popular with the media when he played in Calgary.

[JiriHrdina]

Good observations on Hudler

[ComixZone]

Excellent point on Brouwer/Bennett. Brouwer has been just horrific for some time now. We need that guy to get it going. I'd take it one step further and roll the bottom 6 like this:

Versteeg - Bennett - Chiasson
Bouma - Stajan - Brouwer

and if that doesn't get Brouwer going, then try and light a fire under him by giving him the seat in the pressbox and get Lazar his first game as a Flame.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Excellent point on Brouwer/Bennett. Brouwer has been just horrific for some time now. We need that guy to get it going. I'd take it one step further and roll the bottom 6 like this:

Versteeg - Bennett - Chiasson
Bouma - Stajan - Brouwer

and if that doesn't get Brouwer going, then try and light a fire under him by giving him the seat in the pressbox and get Lazar his first game as a Flame.

I honestly wonder if that's what he's going to do, with tonight a first step.

Has to be some pressure to out his boss's free agent signing but at some point they have to try that experiment with Chiasson or Lazar. If it fixes the drive on that line they could really be on to something.

I didn't see Bennett do anything to warrant a demotion.

[MisterJoji]

Initially I was worried about the optics of exposing a newly signed UFA for the expansion draft, but barring a great playoff showing, I don't see how Brouwer isn't exposed. I'm sure Treliving would like a mulligan on that one. Still hoping he comes through on his reputation as a playoff performer, but otherwise his first year has been epically underwhelming.

[Hammertime]

I just re-watched the Bennett 4 goal game from last year. I can't see how you can read anything about Hudler's attitude based on the body language on the last goal. Hudler celebrated on the first 3 goals, and by the 4th in the last 30 seconds, it looks more like not wanting to over celebrate as a sign of respect in a blowout game.

I recall from the post game interview that Wideman skated over to Bennett and told him not to do a celebratory skate by the bench. To me, it's just vets being classy.

[calgarywinning]

Bottom line is we have a lot of time to figure out the Brouwer situation. Let us see what he can produce.

Glad he is off the first for now. Also, he delivers some crushing hits when he is engaged. This will be needed in the playoffs.

[killer_carlson]

I think Bouma brings more to Bennett than Brouwer does.

Doesn't that sound strange to say?

[chockfullofgoodness]

Originally Posted by Hammertime

I just re-watched the Bennett 4 goal game from last year. I can't see how you can read anything about Hudler's attitude based on the body language on the last goal. Hudler celebrated on the first 3 goals, and by the 4th in the last 30 seconds, it looks more like not wanting to over celebrate as a sign of respect in a blowout game.

I recall from the post game interview that Wideman skated over to Bennett and told him not to do a celebratory skate by the bench. To me, it's just vets being classy.

Yeah, I've never heard anything about Hudler being a bad teammate or hated by the media.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Good observations on Hudler

I'm missing something. Hudler didn't celebrate Bennett's fourth goal a year ago? What does that have to do with anything?

I didn't see anything unusual with Hudler and not unusual to see chippiness with ex teammates. Think of Iginla and Byron recently.

I assume there is more to this story not being said or else why refer to a random game from a year ago?

[Tinordi]

Hudler is two seasons removed from 76 points. He has 10 points in thirty games this season. Guy is done.

[Flame19,289]

... and more often than not Glen Gulutzan has his big five play drivers on the ice together in Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, Mikael Backlund, Micheal Frolik and rookie Matthew Tkachuk.
The big five were one ice together for all three Flames goals tonight, and all five going +3 in a solid 3-1 victory over the very green Dallas Stars on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Russians had KLM, so why not build a five around 3M?

3M + 1M (Mark) + 1D (Dougie) = 4MD's

The Quad Doctors

[Enoch Root]

The possession numbers were interesting to me because I think they tell the story of what has improved with this Flames team.

Even though the shot attempts actually favoured the Stars, the scoring chances heavily favoured the Flames. And for me, that has been the story of their resurgence. Yes, the possession numbers have improved, but what has really improved is the defensive zone coverage.

When teams do get zone time, the Flames are doing a much better job of keeping them to the outside and not giving up quality chances, rebounds, or cross-ice setups.

I think that is why they are winning now, and I also think that is a big reason why the goaltending is so much better. Not taking anything away from Elliott, he has upped his game big time, just saying the defensive play is also much better.

Bingo: I love the analytical stuff you've been adding lately. It's a good read now, even for those that watched the game, because the added analysis is interesting and on point. Thanks, and keep it up! (actually, more please)

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

When teams do get zone time, the Flames are doing a much better job of keeping them to the outside and not giving up quality chances, rebounds, or cross-ice setups.

Lindy Ruff was interviewed after the game, and he talked about the first period powerplay and how he loved their zone time, but his team wouldn't shoot.

Was interesting to me because I saw the same thing, but differently. I saw a team that couldn't get into a good shooting position because the Calgary box was so active. They gassed their own powerplay waiting for a hole or mistake that never came.

Five on five you see largely the same thing.

I also thought the back pressure from forwards and their quick transition on steals was noticeable last night.

[calgaryblood]

Brouwer and Versteeg are black holes 5 on 5. Zero possession and once in a while Versteeg will do something that makes the fans stand up in their seats, the rest of the time he and Brouwer are defending because they can't get the puck.


Their line in consistently one of the worst every night by the eye test and I'm no advanced stats guy but I bet they're the worst advanced wise as well.


It's no wonder Bennett looks as off as he does having to play with those two. He should be getting pp time over Versteeg. I don't mind Brouwer screening the goalie on the pp.

[Heavy Jack]

With the talent that's coming up the pipeline in Janko, Hathaway and Klimchuk all potentially knocking on the door I can only hope Vegas does us a solid and takes Brouwer off our hands. Lazar also makes Versteeg a piece we don't need to bring back next year IMO. Hope the lineup looks like this going forward into next year:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Tkachuk - Bennett - Lazar
Jankowski - Backlund - Frolik
Klimchuk - Stajan - Hathaway

Bouma - Traded
Brouwer - expansion claim
Versteeg, Chiasson - ufa walk (side note, Chiasson has played well on the 4th line RW but Hathaway is better suited for that role IMO)

[Roof-Daddy]

Chiasson is an RFA IIRC, and I'd definitely keep him around as depth to swap in and out with Hathaway, especially if they were to trade Bouma.

[calgaryblood]

Klimchuk can barely score in the AHL as a 22 year old. Don't think he's knocking on the door at all.

Rather have Chiasson than Klimchuk on the 4th line. Klimchuk is either going to be a top 6 player or bust. He doesn't do what you'd want from your bottom lines.

[edn88]

It is funny - but I saw Bennett playing on the '4th line' as more of a shakeup and putting three vets together. Didn't see it as a demotion - especially if all four lines had more or less equal ice time.