[News] Flames recall Jankowski UPD: Will center Bennett and Lazar vs NSH

[Ozy_Flame]

Jagr going down sucks, but it is almost a perfect scenario to open up a spot on the RW for Bennett and a center slot for Jankowski. Glad to see the Flames finally trying this option, as it will likely set the tone for our future lineup.

Wish Jagr wasn't injured though. But can't be upset about Bennett taking the mantle. I am also impressed with Lazar as a depth option, dude is all hustle.

[SportsJunky]

Love it. Welcome Janko. Go do what you do.

[Savvy27]

I like it better when Versteeg is on the veteran line with Stajan and Brouwer. He can be a very good on the PP, but 5 on 5 he is struggling like crazy this year. As much criticism as Bennett has been getting this season, I don't think that having Versteeg on his line has done him any favors.

[sureLoss]

Francis is saying Bennett and Jankowski are taking turns at center

Kristen Odland @Kristen_Odland
"Eddie Lack, let's get ready to start," -- Gulutzan, just now.

[JurassicTunga12]

All I have to say is

good.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Janko up, Bennett to the wing. Hooray. Finally.

[puckedoff]

How funny would it be if they realize Bennett is better on the wing and trade Jagr after selling so many jerseys. Lol.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

How funny would it be if they realize Bennett is better on the wing and trade Jagr after selling so many jerseys. Lol.

Crazy idea, but can't we just keep them both?

[Samuelsson]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Crazy idea, but can't we just keep them both?

You must have missed the 'how funny would it be' and instead, somehow, read 'I want them to realise'. Better luck next time, though.

[JJFlash]

Originally Posted by wretched34

I think this could really settle the line swapping, and give the Flames an opportunity to get some consistency going. Obviously you don't want a tonne of pressure on Janko, but you want to give him an opportunity to succeed. What I'd like to see is:
Tkachuk-Monahan-Gaudreau
Bennett-Backlund-Frolik
Ferland-Jankowski-Versteeg
Stajan/Glass-Lazar-Brouwer

I think that gives the top line a little more umph with Tkachuk providing what everyone wanted Ferland to provide, in some grit and sandpaper, with the ability to open up the ice for Johnny and Money.
Bennett gets the chance to relax with a little less responsibility, with the most responsible defensive forward pair, where he can concentrate a little more on getting his scoring touch back.
Jankowski gets a big physical winger with a great shot, and a vet who has proven he can keep up and pitch in.

I'm actually looking forward to the next game now, even after the disappointment of the last few.

I think Tkachuk could be the playmaker that Johnny needs to start scoring again, my concern would be the after whistle scrums he drags Johnny and Monny in.

[Skyceman]

Originally Posted by wretched34

Because they had 4 C's in front of him by forcing Bennett to Center the 3rd line.
Now with Jagr out, they move Bennett to the wing and free up a slot at C. I think that listed "4th" line will see more time than the "3rd" line if the 3 kids can get some confidence built up.

Except he's being slotted on the wing as well so its not a C logjam issue.

Fair point on how the media is listing them out though. I guess we shall see how GG will utilize him.

[Love]

Hell has frozen over

[devo22]

Personally, I hope Janko kills it at C and Bennett excels on the wing. Having enough good centers so you have to shift one to the wing is a very good problem to have. I still think Bennetts ceiling on the wing is a lot higher.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by JJFlash

I think Tkachuk could be the playmaker that Johnny needs to start scoring again, my concern would be the after whistle scrums he drags Johnny and Monny in.

Yeah honestly I expect this is probably why Tkachuk remains 3M. Backlund and Frolik can both hold their own and are guys I don't really worry about getting dragged into scrums. I don't want Johnny not only joining those scrums, but playing with the higher tension on the ice that comes with Tkachuk. I suspect the coaches feel the same.

I think we're crazy not to be putting Bennett on top line wing. I actually wouldn't mind swapping Johnny to RW. In the o-zone, a lot of his chances seem to come on the off wing.

[Samuelsson]

Also, if Bennett pans out to be a good winger rather than a good center, then he's probably going to command a cheaper contract.

Well done, Treliving

[jg13]

My expectations for Jankowski this year are to be a better centre than Bennett which I think should be fairly easy given Bennett's start this year.. 0G/0A in 8GP with 12PIM and a -3.

Wish lines would look like this though.

Gaudreau Monahan Bennett (Confidence boost playing with PPG players)
Tkachuk Backlund Frolik
Versteeg Jankowski Ferland
Stajan Lazar Brouwer

[Machiavelli]

Ferland needs to step it up now.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by jg13

My expectations for Jankowski this year are to be a better centre than Bennett which I think should be fairly easy given Bennett's start this year.. 0G/0A in 8GP with 12PIM and a -3.

Wish lines would look like this though.

Gaudreau Monahan Bennett (Confidence boost playing with PPG players)
Tkachuk Backlund Frolik
Versteeg Jankowski Ferland
Stajan Lazar Brouwer

You're still asking a really young player to be the catalyst on the 3rd line all by himself. If we want that line contributing in any meaningful way, leave Bennett with Jankowski there and see if they can't build a good line. Versteeg/Ferland can be the "3rd guy on a line", but saddling someone with both of them is not a good way to build an effective line.

[tvp2003]

Most anticipated AHL call-up since... um... ever?

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Most anticipated AHL call-up since... um... ever?

Baertschi wasn't that long ago, and was at least as anticipated. Arguably moreso.