Practice notes Jan 4

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by New Era

Bennett is in a precarious situation. Treliving has added a lot more depth to the lineup and those additions are players who can contribute on any line. These players have the potential to knock Bennett down the lineup and depending on his play, right out of the lineup. There are only so many spots available and the guys who earn it will be in the lineup. Unless "Playoff Sam" shows up, Bennett will be on a steady diet of popcorn. And that is without taking into consideration any of the young players stepping up and taking a run at a position. Bennett is a one trick pony and if he isn't playing that physical role all the time, he isn't worth having in the lineup.

I don’t agree with this at all. Simon, Nordstrom etc are not pushing Bennett to the press box. I doubt any of the young players make the team any way. I would be surprised if we ever see Sam Bennett as a healthy scratch

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by New Era

Bennett is in a precarious situation. Treliving has added a lot more depth to the lineup and those additions are players who can contribute on any line. These players have the potential to knock Bennett down the lineup and depending on his play, right out of the lineup. There are only so many spots available and the guys who earn it will be in the lineup. Unless "Playoff Sam" shows up, Bennett will be on a steady diet of popcorn. And that is without taking into consideration any of the young players stepping up and taking a run at a position. Bennett is a one trick pony and if he isn't playing that physical role all the time, he isn't worth having in the lineup.

Bad take is bad.

[Wastedyouth]

In my opinion, we really shouldn't be getting too butt hurt about lines and opportunity for any players. This season is going to be a gong show. With a game every second day, the rate of injuries is going to increase immensely and the whole team needs to be ready at any time for someone to step up.

I would guess we see multiple injuries happening throughout the season. Guys slated for the bottom 6 and bottom pairing will have a lot of chances to prove themselves worthy of increased ice time.

[blender]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

In my opinion, we really shouldn't be getting too butt hurt about lines and opportunity for any players. This season is going to be a gong show. With a game every second day, the rate of injuries is going to increase immensely and the whole team needs to be ready at any time for someone to step up.

I would guess we see multiple injuries happening throughout the season. Guys slated for the bottom 6 and bottom pairing will have a lot of chances to prove themselves worthy of increased ice time.

As well add the risk/likelihood of Covid protocols keeping players out of games.

[Nelson]

Because the two groups are separated for at least the first week for medical reasons, I’m guessing the top 6 against WPG will be pretty much what it was yesterday.

So, in that case, I want to see Bennett get a chance at centre with two offensively gifted wingers for an extended period. Bennett generates shots and chances at a good rate. I think he could flourish with Mangiapane and Dube.

The three remaining forwards Lucic - Backlund - Ryan can form a tough minutes, defensive zone line. They are all suited for that, and that would open up more o-zone starts for Monahan’s line and Bennett’s line, both of which could use the high ground.

That’s why I want:

Tkachuk - Lindholm - Leivo (play them anywhere)
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon (lots of o zone starts)
Mangiapane - Bennett - Dube (lots of o zone starts)
Lucic - Backlund - Ryan (lots of d zone starts)

[mrchristy31]

Originally Posted by Nelson

Because the two groups are separated for at least the first week for medical reasons, I’m guessing the top 6 against WPG will be pretty much what it was yesterday.

So, in that case, I want to see Bennett get a chance at centre with two offensively gifted wingers for an extended period. Bennett generates shots and chances at a good rate. I think he could flourish with Mangiapane and Dube.

The three remaining forwards Lucic - Backlund - Ryan can form a tough minutes, defensive zone line. They are all suited for that, and that would open up more o-zone starts for Monahan’s line and Bennett’s line, both of which could use the high ground.

That’s why I want:

Tkachuk - Lindholm - Leivo (play them anywhere)
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon (lots of o zone starts)
Mangiapane - Bennett - Dube (lots of o zone starts)
Lucic - Backlund - Ryan (lots of d zone starts)

This makes the most sense to me. I love Bennet, but it continues to amaze me how many people are suggesting he start the year on the first line.

[Monahammer]

Everyone is so caught up in playing Bennett at Centre, meanwhile I'm thinking back on Backlund's wing is the best possible outcome for him- pressure is off to carry the entire load or drive a line, he's had his best NHL season beside Backlund in the past, and hopefully he can soak in some more good habits from Backlund while playing together. Meanwhile Backlund gets to keep a bulldog player like Tkachuk on his line while tkachuk is freed to play more defensively.

I would like to see the same lines we've seen with a slight tweak:

Tkachuk-Lindholm-Leivo (27% - more hard matchups)
Gaudreau-Monahan-Pelletier (27% - trying to take advantage of other matchups)
Bennett-Backlund-Dube (23% - D zone starts)
Lucic-Ryan-Mangiapane (23%- this was used as our 2nd/3rd line previously)

Adjust percentages depending on who's hot but really just roll these lines.

[Journey17]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Everyone is so caught up in playing Bennett at Centre, meanwhile I'm thinking back on Backlund's wing is the best possible outcome for him- pressure is off to carry the entire load or drive a line, he's had his best NHL season beside Backlund in the past, and hopefully he can soak in some more good habits from Backlund while playing together. Meanwhile Backlund gets to keep a bulldog player like Tkachuk on his line while tkachuk is freed to play more defensively.

I would like to see the same lines we've seen with a slight tweak:

Tkachuk-Lindholm-Leivo (27% - more hard matchups)
Gaudreau-Monahan-Pelletier (27% - trying to take advantage of other matchups)
Bennett-Backlund-Dube (23% - D zone starts)
Lucic-Ryan-Mangiapane (23%- this was used as our 2nd/3rd line previously)

Adjust percentages depending on who's hot but really just roll these lines.

As much as I like Pelletier's play at World Juniors, he is likely not beating out Simon/Leivo for a top 6 role right away. Now, as people have said, there will be injuries. I like those lines if you just swap in Simon for Pelletier to start.



I prefer Bennett on Backlund's wing with Mangiapane as the other winger. Established play wins Mangiapane the prime role while Dube might have the higher upside, it isn't today.



I think Leivo,Simon, Dube and Mangiapane for top6 roles with new players having the inside track.

[keenan87]

I want to see Gaudreau and Monahan pairing broken up. I also want to see Tkachuk and Backlund pairing broken up.

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

[Monahammer]

Simon has a career high of 28 points playing next to Sidney Crosby. He is known for strong board play but absolute granite hands. Like the fella all you want but this is very clearly a stand in in our top 6 or we are in a world of hurt.

Who else could he be standing in for?

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Simon has a career high of 28 points playing next to Sidney Crosby. He is known for strong board play but absolute granite hands. Like the fella all you want but this is very clearly a stand in in our top 6 or we are in a world of hurt.

Who else could he be standing in for?

Hanifin for Laine based trade!

Hahaha I know, I know, but a man can dream.

[bax]

What are the odds Valimaki takes over the PP1 this year? Could be an under the radar fantasy pick up similar to Hughes and Makar last season.

[monkeyman]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Simon has a career high of 28 points playing next to Sidney Crosby. He is known for strong board play but absolute granite hands. Like the fella all you want but this is very clearly a stand in in our top 6 or we are in a world of hurt.

Who else could he be standing in for?

I'm not familiar with Simons game, but I've always felt that line could use a guy who can go into the corners and retrieve pucks.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by monkeyman

I'm not familiar with Simons game, but I've always felt that line could use a guy who can go into the corners and retrieve pucks.

Agreed. If he is good at retrieving pucks then hopefully he can be the guy feeding them to Johnny and Monahan.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I want to see Gaudreau and Monahan pairing broken up. I also want to see Tkachuk and Backlund pairing broken up.

But, why?

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

Those lines look okay, except that there is no way in hell that Monahan will be relegated to third-line minutes with tjird-line line-mates.



Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[Bingo]

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'm not all that worried about labels like top line.

The team seems to be built on pairs, and then it's a matter of finding the guy that plays well with each pair.

They seem stuck on Monahan / Gaudreau so that's one. Seems like we are heading for a Lindholm / Tkachuk ... then maybe a Backlund / Mangiapane or perhaps Bennett / Dube.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

To me, "dynamic" communicates an array of creativity and skill that keeps the opposition guessing about what the player is going to do. It requires very high end vision and puck-handling skills to go with an ability to process the play at the highest speed. Bennett has never once played that way in his entire NHL career.

I think Bennett has demonstrated these very attributes that you are referring to in your definition. Have they happened regularly enough? Absolutely not.



Off the top of my head, I remember him and Gaudreau working a give-and-go, and it was a high-end skill pass, which set Gaudreau free and resulted in a goal. You see these types of plays from him. He does work well with skilled players and can contribute there. It just doesn't happen enough.


Now, is that because some of these plays were simply what we would call 'luck', I don't know... sure didn't seem like it to me. I think Bennett seems to suffer from a confidence issue and a lack of opportunity issue - both for ice time and line mates. I don't think he suffers from a lack of IQ AT ALL. I actually think that is what makes him a better centre than a winger, in fact.


I am hopeful that we will see what Bennett is capable of this season. I do see a high-IQ player with potential to be a very reliable centre at generating offence while also helping the team win through other attributes as well. I do think that people (like myself) who are still very bullish on Bennett are so because of his demonstrated skills, not really his draft position. I have seen enough Rico Fatas around the NHL to know that sometimes players fail and/or disappoint regardless of draft position. I like him and continue being bullish on him because of his demonstrated skills - which admittedly, have been disappointing with the lack of regularity. You are obviously more bearish on him as you don't see that skill level in him.


Now, we will probably have to agree to disagree here - I am sure I can not alter your opinion of his skill level because it is based on what you have seen, and you won't alter mine because it is based on what I have seen - even though we have seen exactly the same plays happening. I do hope that he does at least get the opportunity to utilize his skills this season (for me) or gets the opportunity to demonstrate his lack of skills (for you) - will be interesting to see which way it pans out.

[bdubbs]

For me, watching Bennett stick handle is like watching my beer league teammates who play with sticks that are slightly too long for their comfort zone. I wonder if he could improve it by shortening the stick he uses by an inch or two? I know for me, when I swapped to a shorter stick my comfort level with puck handling increased by a lot.

[Flames1217]

Same lines for group one today!

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Flames1217

Same lines for group one today!

Fire Ward!!!