Bennett's a healthy scratch. Playoff lines are disbanded, reverting back to the Lindholm at C configuration from the previous ~20 games. Not sure either move makes any difference.
Positives: Glad to see Ryan back, he'll help stabilize that 4th line, help with faceoffs. No problem seeing Kylington back in, the Flames definitely need more speed in the lineup, and that's something he can help out with from the backend.
Negatives: This is still the Flames we're talking about.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to KootenayFlamesFan For This Useful Post:
Yeah they need to just move Bennett. It's like a black cloud over this team right now. One thing Lucic said in his interview couple days ago is about having fun doing the little things. I just don't see this team having fun at all and I think they need a reset of some sort.
Agree with trading Bennett now. It’s not like the return is gonna be franchise altering or something. At this point it’s gotta be a huge distraction in the room and if he’s being scratched now it’s not like his absence is gonna create a hole to fill. I like Sam. But time for him to move on.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Zulu29 For This Useful Post:
How Leivo keeps getting top 6 minutes is beyond me.
I don’t think he is though.
His name is shuffled around the pre game lineup charts. His ice time stays decided 3/4th line.
The flames have 3-4 guys a night that might not make another NHL roster. One of them will be pencilled in every night in the top 6 when Lindholm plays centre.
Not a bennett defender- the guy is a total bust and the sooner he accepts that the most he can be in the nhl is a 3rd line energy guy it will be better for him.
The black cloud is not because of Bennett though. Bennett is just the water that has been trapped and formed into the black cloud. The black cloud is being generated by #### leadership and terrible coaching. IMO the problem is actually in room leadership though. Trade gio to anyone willing to take on his contract, and watch the team succeed.
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Monahammer For This Useful Post:
If Ward is going back to the drawing board on the lines, he might as well see if anything else sticks.
Maybe run Gaudreau with Lindholm for a couple of periods, and Tkachuk with Monahan, and keep Mangiapane and Dube on the wings there.
Maybe Tkachuk and Lindholm just don't click, and it isn't about Tkachuk needing Backlund, or speculating about him possibly pouting.
These lines don't appear to work very well. Leivo is known not to work well in the top 6 by now - make him earn a shot there from now on instead.
I have no qualms about the Monahan - Lindholm - Backlund trial. I think it is a smart move that can pay-off if it works. However, it sure doesn't seem to be working well, so if Ward wants to keep trying it, at least change up the wingers and see if you can't get something to stick there.
Otherwise...
Just play fast, be good in your own zone, and just WIN!
It is the Flames' turn to do the blowing out - 10-0 Flames!
The Following User Says Thank You to Calgary4LIfe For This Useful Post:
Flames had 2 days between games, meaning they got an actual practice in. And whenever that happens, they bring their safe, stand-around brand of hockey.
That being the case, I predict they are down 2-0 before they generate a good scoring chance.
Prove me wrong, boys.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Enoch Root For This Useful Post:
If Ward is going back to the drawing board on the lines, he might as well see if anything else sticks...
I don't believe this is what he is doing. He is going back to a top-three configuration that has been used pretty consistently on home ice, and has looked quite good there in every game save for the last one v. the Canucks. In theory, this should work.
__________________
Dealing with Everything from Dead Sea Scrolls to Red C Trolls
Quote:
Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
