PP1 Dman (Who?)

[Niemo]

Wanted to generate a bit of discussion on who will be our only Dman on the No1 PP unit?

Gio may be the front runner, but are we still trying to cut down on his minutes so he can stay effective?

Andersson would be my first choice, but that leaves us with no RHD to man the 2nd PP.

Hanifin and Valimaki are probably not ready....

[CroFlames]

Right now it is Gio. But he really shouldn't be.

Andersson has the best chance of supplanting him, but he's unproven and young.

Valimaki is probably a long term replacement, but I doubt he's anywhere near ready.

I think the Flames need UFA help for one more season until one of Andersson, Valimaki or maybe Hanifin prove to be capable PP1 quarterbacks.

[Monahammer]

This is what I hope for, but who knows if the coaching staff is bold enough:

PP1:
Monahan Net/ middle
Tkachuk-Johnny Opposing half walls/ below net
Valimaki-Lindholm Points

PP2:
Bennett Net/Middle
Dube-Mangiapane opposing half walls/ below net
Backlund-Andersson Points

[FlamesLitSquad]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

This is what I hope for, but who knows if the coaching staff is bold enough:

PP1:
Monahan Net/ middle
Tkachuk-Johnny Opposing half walls/ below net
Valimaki-Lindholm Points

PP2:
Bennett Net/Middle
Dube-Mangiapane opposing half walls/ below net
Backlund-Andersson Points

Agree with this 100% - with Lucic in front on PP2 if Bennett doesn't work out.



Think of all the D who have had huge early years - Gus, Ghost, Klingberg, Hughes, Makar - I think Vali could join that group if given the chance, Defence is the part of the game that Rookies need to be sheltered longer term. Based off highlights for Liiga Valimaki is poised, makes smart plays and is a threat passing and shooting.... it is worth a shot for sure.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by FlamesLitSquad

Agree with this 100% - with Lucic in front on PP2 if Bennett doesn't work out.



Think of all the D who have had huge early years - Gus, Ghost, Klingberg, Hughes, Makar - I think Vali could join that group if given the chance, Defence is the part of the game that Rookies need to be sheltered longer term. Based off highlights for Liiga Valimaki is poised, makes smart plays and is a threat passing and shooting.... it is worth a shot for sure.

What about throwing two D out on PP2?
Would allow us to keep Backlund fresh as well

[Gaskal]

I would say Valimaki based on his shot and vision.

[Funkhouser]

PP1 I would do:
Tkachuk
Gio Monahan Lindholm
50% Valimaki and 50% Gio...let Vali get his bearings

PP2 I would do:
Bennett
Dube Mangiapane
Hanifin Anderson

[FlamesLitSquad]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

What about throwing two D out on PP2?
Would allow us to keep Backlund fresh as well

I think there is enough data saying that 4F 1 D is better on the PP and we don't really have the personnel to roll 3 D where it would make an improvement over 8F. We haven't even mentioned Lievo in this thread who has a great shot and Lucic who is a big body in front.

[Fire]

They will probably start with Andersson on PP1, they will want to keep Giordano young and fresh. I wouldn't put Gio on the PP #2 either. I would give that to Valimaki. Throw in Hanifin once in a while if either of those two struggle.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by FlamesLitSquad

I think there is enough data saying that 4F 1 D is better on the PP and we don't really have the personnel to roll 3 D where it would make an improvement over 8F. We haven't even mentioned Lievo in this thread who has a great shot and Lucic who is a big body in front.

Honestly I keep forgetting about Leivo. We have a lot of bodies in the middle 6.

[FlamesLitSquad]

Still short on Right handers - If Lindholm / Andy are on the top unit I think Lievo gets PP2 because of that.

[GreenLantern2814]

They probably start with Gio, out of respect.

Andersson gets a chance to do the job.

Valimaki asserts himself in the role by the 20 game mark and doesn’t give it back.

[TheScorpion]

I would go with Giordano on PP1 and Hanifin on PP2. Give Valimaki one of those spots if he rip-roars out of the gate.

Tkachuk
Gaudreau - Monahan - Lindholm
Giordano

Lucic
Mangiapane - Bennett - Leivo
Hanifin

[kyuss275]

Sorry for me Gio is third maybe 4th in my list for pp. his muffin wrist shot from the point is not doing it anymore. I would start Anderson.

[TheScorpion]

Wait since when does Giordano have a muffin of a shot? I always remember that criticism being lobbed towards Brodie but never Gio.

He's still the Flames' best offensive defenseman by every metric (Hanifin is second).

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Wait since when does Giordano have a muffin of a shot? I always remember that criticism being lobbed towards Brodie but never Gio.

He's still the Flames' best offensive defenseman by every metric (Hanifin is second).

Hanifin second despite reluctance to play offensively it seems. He absolutely has the skill set to do so, and I think has the ability to take off in this department.

[TheScorpion]

Hanifin isn't done developing. I really want to see him spend an entire year with Andersson. At this point, Hanifin is already a very strong offensive driver and I think Andersson could be a great defensive influence.

I think we could see that be the Flames' top pairing by the 20-game mark.

[dammage79]

Don't leave out Nesterov of consideration. Seriously. IMO, he will likely be manning the point on the 2nd PP this year. But could easily take a point slot on PP1.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Wait since when does Giordano have a muffin of a shot? I always remember that criticism being lobbed towards Brodie but never Gio.

He's still the Flames' best offensive defenseman by every metric (Hanifin is second).

Did you watch him from the point last year? I’m not talking when he comes in off the point.

[Niemo]

I hope Hanifin - Andersson pairing stays intact. Gio should pair with Tanev as a shut down pairing.

Hanifin on PP1 would be nice to see what he can do and gain confidence.

Gio - Andersson on PP2 is strong!