Practice notes Jan 4

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

With Bennett, I think the biggest need is to just play him with someone else who is tenacious on the forecheck and can play with pace.

Dube delivers that, as does Mangiapane. I'd like to see Bennett at centre, and I think ultimately that is where we'll see him - but Mang-Backs-Benny as an alternate line should be a pretty good line.

Mangiapane - Backlund - Bennett
Mangiapane - Bennett - Dube
Lucic - Bennett - Dube

All look like good options to me, but I would love to see:

Tkachuk - Bennett - Lindholm

Then fill out the rest of the roster with:

Mangiapane - Backlund - Leivo
Gaudreau - Monahan - Dube
Lucic - Ryan - Simon

^ I like your way of thinking too. We know the groupings don’t point this way, but there are some intriguing lines there

[Savvy27]

I am not concerned with anyone playing on the 4th line, because the way the forward group is constructed, I just don't anticipate any line getting significantly reduced minutes at 5v5. All of the forwards are legitimate NHL players and basically everyone has played in a top 9 role in the NHL in the past year at some point.

The coaching staff is going to reward the lines who are playing well with more ice time. All of this is to say that I don't think that Dube is going to be shortchanged icetime if he is playing well with Ryan and Lucic, or if Bennett ends up playing C with him and Lucic.

If the concern is more about Dube playing with less skilled players, then I agree that there is some cause. On the other hand, if he is the best player on his line and other groups are not producing, I have no doubt that he will get looks with Gaudreau-Monahan and Tkachuk-Lindholm too.

I'm very curious to see how these lines work out. I generally like them, although I thought the chemistry between Bennett and Dube (as well as Bennett's improved play as a C) was worth building off of. I also thought that Leivo would play with Gaudreau and Monahan, but given the description of Simon's role while playing with Crosby (as a digger who will win battles and get pucks to the skilled guys), it makes some sense and he could play a vital role with them.

I am so excited about this season. I like the team and think they could win the division.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

That would put Ryan on a wing, likely with Backlund, given the training camp groupings. Here are the 6 NHLers on team Iginla

Mangiapane-Backlund-Bennett
Lucic-Ryan-Dube

And remember there is no mixing during camp due to medical constraints

So if they reunite the playoff line:
Lucic - Bennett - Dube
Mangiapane - Backlund - Ryan

If Backlund is your shutdown line, Ryan would fit well there. Backs doesn't have great FO% numbers and that would be key for a defensive line 2 way line. Ryan, as a RS would enable these guys to take strong side draws. All of them have high IQ and Mangiapane adds an element that Ryan and Backs lack: youthful energy plus a little scoring touch. It would be (on paper) a great 2 way line IMO.

Also Lucic's presence enables the full flourishing of Bennett's game (he wouldn't have to fight Nurse after trucking him).

[SeanCharles]

Gaudreau-Monahan-Leivo
Tkachuk-Backlund-Lindholm
Mangiapane-Bennett-Dube
Lucic-Ryan-Simon

This is how I hope things shake out.

[DeluxeMoustache]

^ I like Leivo because of his new logo but why are we so eager to gift him top line duty?

Maybe if he is a placeholder for Pelletier

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

^ I like Leivo because of his new logo but why are we so eager to gift him top line duty?

Maybe if he is a placeholder for Pelletier

I just would like to see Lindholm on a different line from Johnny and Monny and he belongs in the top 6 so that puts him with Tkachuk.

I also want to keep Bennett and Dube together.

I think Leivo could be a guy that surprises us with how good at both ends of the rink he is. He’s a 6’2” RS winger so he might be able to provide what that line has been missing - a righhanded winger with speed, size and 2-way ability.

[TheScorpion]

I could see Leivo being a new Versteeg-type for sure.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I could see Leivo being a new Versteeg-type for sure.

Does he even know Brian Elliott?

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

I just would like to see Lindholm on a different line from Johnny and Monny and he belongs in the top 6 so that puts him with Tkachuk.

I also want to keep Bennett and Dube together.

I think Leivo could be a guy that surprises us with how good at both ends of the rink he is. He’s a 6’2” RS winger so he might be able to provide what that line has been missing - a righhanded winger with speed, size and 2-way ability.

Leivo has never shown any ability to play on the number one line. If you want to split up Lindholm from the top line I would just swap him and Tkachuk. Mangiapane is a much better offensive player than Leivo, no need to not give him top 6 minutes.

[dammage79]

Leivo should be on a line with Dube and Bennett.

But, maybe he has some chemistry in the top 6 fw group. Only thing I know is, he needs to be healthy a lot more than he has in his career if he has any chance of becoming a top 6 producing rw.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by bax

Kylington is late to camp due to immigration issues.

I don't think the Flames have any intention on rushing Pelletier or Zary- they will want them to get some AHL time in for sure before making the jump.

I really like the idea of Simon with Gaudreau. He's known for winning board battles and getting the puck to Crosby.

Not old enough to play AHL unless something has changed because covid chaos.

It's in the show or back to junior (that doesnt have any guarantee of playing this season) for both of them i believe.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

Leivo has never shown any ability to play on the number one line. If you want to split up Lindholm from the top line I would just swap him and Tkachuk. Mangiapane is a much better offensive player than Leivo, no need to not give him top 6 minutes.

I love that idea but whenever I suggest it everyone says Tkachuk causes scrums and you don’t want Gaudreau and Monahan in scrums all game.

I just hope the top 9 players I outlined are on the top 3 lines.

Simon could be decent but I don’t want him playing above Dube or Bennett.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Not old enough to play AHL unless something has changed because covid chaos.

It's in the show or back to junior (that doesnt have any guarantee of playing this season) for both of them i believe.

Yes Tre was saying if their junior league is not operating, there is an agreement they will be able to go to the AHL this year

[Jeff Lebowski]

Watching Nesterov interview, he said in his first go round in NHL he didn't understand english. Wow what a tough circumstance. He speaks well now so that's good.

I really hope there is comfort here with a few Russians in camp plus I think CGY has had a Russian liaison (I think a lady) but I really hope the team embraces these guys and makes them feel welcome. When they talk to their buddies I hope Russian players get a good impression of the organization. CGY has added via draft some more Russians and I really like this and hope it continues.

Welcome!!!

[AC]

And here's all the interviews:

Markstrom

Dube

Tanev

Gaudreau

Valimaki

Leivo

Nesterov

Monahan

Lucic

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

I love that idea but whenever I suggest it everyone says Tkachuk causes scrums and you don’t want Gaudreau and Monahan in scrums all game.

I just hope the top 9 players I outlined are on the top 3 lines.

Simon could be decent but I don’t want him playing above Dube or Bennett.

I want whoever is playing best to be slotted highest, regardless of who it is.

[AC]

Simon was one of Crosby's preferred wingers. Sidney requested they be reunited at one point too I believe.

Exciting that Leivo and Simon are both depth guys that are capable of playing on any line it seems based on their prior usages.

Loubardias was suggesting the Flames might prefer to go with a more balanced 4 line approach, basically having 2A/2B and 3A/3B lines. If we can find a RW that meshes with Johnny and Monahan, then it allows Lindholm to get his own line and we're that much deeper. It's a trickle-down effect that could pay off nicely in this season especially.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Yes Tre was saying if their junior league is not operating, there is an agreement they will be able to go to the AHL this year

I think the Q is supposed to resume Jan. 21. At least, that’s the last I heard.

[FusionX]

I mentioned this in another thread a few months ago and still wonder if it wouldn't be worth a shot?

Essentially, the lines center around Monahan being a bit too reliant on Gaudreau and me wanting to see if there could potentially be some chemistry between Johnny and Bennett.

My thoughts:

Tkachuk - Monahan - Lindholm
Gaudreau - Bennett - Dube
Mangiapane - Backlund - Leivo
Lucic - Ryan - Simon
Nordstrom/Gawdin/Robinson

Gio - Tanev
Hanifin - Andersson
Valimaki - Kylington/Nesterov
Mackey

Markstrom
Rittich

I think Tkachuk with that top line really changes the dynamic. Not a lot of flash but hopefully more consistency and useable anywhere on the ice. The next two lines are really 2a/2b in my mind. You play them in different situations, the Bennett line getting the majority of match-ups and offensive zone starts with Backlund's mainly defensive zone starts. Including Leivo, lots of options to tinker with the right side on that line to have it suit what is required (ie. more offense - perhaps Leivo, more defensive - Simon?Nordstrom?). The 4th line is so flexible now with all the seemingly good (at least on paper) bottom 6 guys that you can mix/match as guys go hot/cold.

On defense, there is the clearcut top pairing, with an up and coming 2nd pairing and then a 3rd pairing that may develop into an excellent duo and I think it's worth giving Kylington a shot on the R side.

In goal, nothing surprising there.

I'd be pretty excited to see something like that on opening day.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by FusionX

I mentioned this in another thread a few months ago and still wonder if it wouldn't be worth a shot?

Essentially, the lines center around Monahan being a bit too reliant on Gaudreau and me wanting to see if there could potentially be some chemistry between Johnny and Bennett.

My thoughts:

Tkachuk - Monahan - Lindholm
Gaudreau - Bennett - Dube
Mangiapane - Backlund - Leivo
Lucic - Ryan - Simon
Nordstrom/Gawdin/Robinson

Gio - Tanev
Hanifin - Andersson
Valimaki - Kylington/Nesterov
Mackey

Markstrom
Rittich

I think Tkachuk with that top line really changes the dynamic. Not a lot of flash but hopefully more consistency and useable anywhere on the ice. The next two lines are really 2a/2b in my mind. You play them in different situations, the Bennett line getting the majority of match-ups and offensive zone starts with Backlund's mainly defensive zone starts. Including Leivo, lots of options to tinker with the right side on that line to have it suit what is required (ie. more offense - perhaps Leivo, more defensive - Simon?Nordstrom?). The 4th line is so flexible now with all the seemingly good (at least on paper) bottom 6 guys that you can mix/match as guys go hot/cold.

On defense, there is the clearcut top pairing, with an up and coming 2nd pairing and then a 3rd pairing that may develop into an excellent duo and I think it's worth giving Kylington a shot on the R side.

In goal, nothing surprising there.

I'd be pretty excited to see something like that on opening day.

I like it!