Major controversy at #Flames morning skate in Winnipeg, where teammates were trying to tell Nikita Zadorov that his nickname is now 'Little Z.' Apparently they've decided that Radim Zohorna is taller. Hence, a new 'Big Z.' Developing story.
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It will be interesting to watch Zohorna tonight, but keeping my expectations in check. I am going to assume that without the luxury of an actual practice, Zohorna might be looking a bit lost out there at times on coverage since he doesn't know the system yet.
Hopefully Backlund is fine and this was a mild bruise or something, as I assume that Coleman would also be getting pulled if it was a rest day for that pair. Maybe I am reading too much into it.
Stone vs Mackey for that temporarily open spot on defence. Stone has to be the favourite. Mackey has been good too I thought, but clearly a step or two behind Stone, but probably a couple of steps ahead of Valimaki it seemed.
1 spot for the 3rd line open, and 1 spot on the 4th line that I expect will be a rotation. That leaves Zohorna and Ruzicka as likely candidates for that 3rd spot, with the loser entering a rotation with Lewis and Ritchie for the 4th line? I assume Lucic and Rooney will probably end up as a pair.
I would be surprised if Milano got signed. I will also be surprised if Eakin gets a deal, but I do think he has been mostly good and probably deserves one. I don't think it happens simply because of all the bodies. However, I can see Sutter pushing for him and having a center that is excellent at face-offs that he can call up in case Rooney or another center go down.
Should be a decent game. Hopefully we can start seeing some chemistry being developed on that top line. Might take some time, but hopefully it comes sooner rather than later.
I would like to see Eakin signed and sent to the Wranglers (assuming he would agree to that). Let him get some games in, and be available for a callup if/when injuries kick in
If he doesn't clear waivers, he gets what he was after - an NHL job.
Everybody wins.
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PS: Sutter seems really high on Zadorov's camp so far. Giving him a look in the top 4, all in all that gives us so many options on defense especially if Zadorov becomes a steady top 4D for this team.
Last edited by gvitaly; 10-05-2022 at 02:02 PM.
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I get the feeling that Stone and Tre have a gentleman's agreement that he keep appearing like he's on PTO but we will sign and reward him when it works the best for the Flames salary cap/waiver clearance timings. Sutter has been a bit stone cold though when asked about Stone's offensive production (4 pts in 4 preseason games), Sutter replied there's more to the game than that.
