[GDT] Preseason: Flames @ Canucks 8pm MT. Sportsnet

[868904]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Pat Steinberg
@Fan960Steinberg
The way morning skate is going, looks like Kulak and Andersson will sit out tonight. #Flames

That is interesting, you would think if they wanted to evaluate a guy they aren't sure about (Kulak and Andersen) that they would play them. Maybe the team isn't sure about Bartkowski given his poor pre-season? Cause they really should already know what they have in him.

[Machiavelli]

Really hoping that for the final preseason game, they ice the planned opening-night lineup.

[Bunk]

Gulutzen's MO is a huge amount of deference toward veterans. It does not surprise me at all Brouwer is getting another shot with Bennett. But maybe if it looks bad tonight the experiment will end at that and not go to the regular season (but I doubt it).

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by savardandjokinen

I hope so, I would like that. Haven't been paying close attention to positions I just know Stajan has had that role for a long time now and Gully seemed to trust him last year. Based on preseason, I agree, Jankowski has been great.

I imagine Stajan will be on Jankowski's wing for the foreseeable future as that young man starts his NHL career - as you say, Gulutzan trusts Stajan. It's nice to have a center you trust to do spot faceoff duty and basically act as a coach on the ice. Jankowski may well cite Matt Stajan as a big contributor to his growth as a pro when his time is done.

[AC]

Gulutzan says Mike Smith will go at least two periods tonight and make a decision after that. Eddie Lack is the backup tonight. #Flames

[skudr248]

Going to the game tonight, pumped to watch some hockey!!!!!

[DJones]

Hate the bottom 6 and bottom pairing.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Bunk

Gulutzen's MO is a huge amount of deference toward veterans. It does not surprise me at all Brouwer is getting another shot with Bennett. But maybe if it looks bad tonight the experiment will end at that and not go to the regular season (but I doubt it).

I would say that's true of almost any coach. Fans usually are much quicker to want vets sent out to pasture and have kids inserted throughout the lineup.

I know some people are worried about Bennett-Brouwer but Brouwer has a full NTC this year. The team should be trying to have him regain his form on a scoring line. Makes no sense to bury him in the 4th line and plummet his confidence and trade value. If he doesn't looks good he'll naturally fall down the lineup but wanting or expecting him to start on the 4th line or scratched makes no sense. It's better for everyone if Brouwer can get back to a 2nd/3rd line complimentary grinder.

[AC]

Canucks lineup

Baertschi-Granlund-Boeser
Gagner-Burmistrov-Virtanen
Upshall-Sutter-Dorsett
Archibald-Chaput-Megna

[djsFlames]

Top line had better dominate those ex-Flames.

[Strange Brew]

In the NFL it's the second to last pre season game that is a preview of the opening lineup. Last game is about not getting hurt and battling for reserve spots.

I believe that's what we are seeing here.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

In the NFL it's the second to last pre season game that is a preview of the opening lineup. Last game is about not getting hurt and battling for reserve spots.

I believe that's what we are seeing here.

Better not be, I want Jankowski in.

Also anyone in place of Bartkowski would be nice. But hopefully he won't sink us in 10 minutes of sheltered ice time.

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

In the NFL it's the second to last pre season game that is a preview of the opening lineup. Last game is about not getting hurt and battling for reserve spots.

I believe that's what we are seeing here.

Two different leagues my man.

Although I do see bartkowski being slotted in at 6 or 7, I feel like that bottom forward line isn't set in stone yet. Particularly Glass

[flambers]

Originally Posted by 868904

That is interesting, you would think if they wanted to evaluate a guy they aren't sure about (Kulak and Andersen) that they would play them. Maybe the team isn't sure about Bartkowski given his poor pre-season? Cause they really should already know what they have in him.

Not sure Bartkowski has had a poor preseason.

It could be the complete reverse, AHL dman have not impressed and the current battle is for the 7th dman (Kulak and Anderson)

In my view, Anderson will be cut.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by AC

Over Jankowski? I doubt it.

Janko has only been used as a centre this preseason and has killed it consistently.

Christ, if the flames are so hot to trot about bennett being a centre there is no way janko makes the roster in any position other than centre.

I think you could see him alternate faceoffs with stajan depending on their strong side, but the dude is a calgary flame at this point playing centre.

[Fire]

Yeah, Jankowski is going to be in the starting line-up come opening night. I wouldn't worry about that. If they want Stajan as the 4th line center I would prefer Jankowski in the line up over Versteeg.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Pat Steinberg
@Fan960Steinberg
The way morning skate is going, looks like Kulak and Andersson will sit out tonight. #Flames

F.....Bart is going to be the #6.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Fire

Yeah, Jankowski is going to be in the starting line-up come opening night. I wouldn't worry about that. If they want Stajan as the 4th line center I would prefer Jankowski in the line up over Versteeg.

I am not so sure. I hope you are right!

[djsFlames]

No Verteeg should be a mainstay in the top 9 given his ability to produce, particularly on the PP.

Jankowski can replace Lazar, Stajan, Hathaway (even Brouwer, but they don't want to sit a 4.5 mil player) before Versteeg.

Thing is I don't think they've put him on the wing at all in practice. So he likely gets the Sam Bennett treatment in regards to his position. Stajan is more likely to play on the wing in that case.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Fire

Yeah, Jankowski is going to be in the starting line-up come opening night. I wouldn't worry about that. If they want Stajan as the 4th line center I would prefer Jankowski in the line up over Versteeg.

I don't see why Versteeg would be the odd man out. PP quarterback and 3rd liner with the ability to move up the lineup as needed.

As djsFlames mentioned above, it'd be one of Lazar/Stajan/Hathaway.