[PGT] Flames win in OT!

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Burning Beard

Lewis is on the third line because its a checking line and he's a good checker.

Tofolli is on the first line because he's a goal scorer.

So far Lewis has been a good checker and Tofolli is scoring goals so I don't see the same problems others seem to see.

Checking is a team concept not a line thing. Thats why the top line was successful last year, they checked well and got the puck back instead of chasing it all game.

You need goals throughout your lineup and Lewis is not really a great fit on that 3rd in terms of creating chances and scoring. Getting the puck back is one thing but doing something with is another. Lewis has a place on this team, but it is not that high up in the lineup.

[Kasi]

Not really true in Backlund and Coleman’s case. They actually do get put out tons against opponents top lines. Sure getting some offence is fine but I don’t think they’re too worried about that when they put them out against McDavid. Anyone who thinks Ruzicka is even a consideration there is kidding themselves. Sure he has some skills but does anyone think his lack of pace and effort are a good fit for a bottom line or checking role?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Kasi

Not really true in Backlund and Coleman’s case. They actually do get put out tons against opponents top lines. Sure getting some offence is fine but I don’t think they’re too worried about that when they put them out against McDavid. Anyone who thinks Ruzicka is even a consideration there is kidding themselves. Sure he has some skills but does anyone think his lack of pace and effort are a good fit for a bottom line or checking role?

Yeah, they do but the metrics usually show Backlunds lines in the high 50s for corsi meaning they are pushing the other team in their own zone, if you convert those chances that's more goals.

Ruzicka isn't going to play he isn't good enough. His pace of play is to slow, and I won't say it's a lack of effort, but he looks disinterested out there. Remember when he scores his first ever goal, he just skates off to the bench guys with zero fire won't play for Sutter. Actually, thinking about Sutter's comments about him it might be an effort issue on the ice not off the ice, hes talked plenty about him giving a 2nd and 3rd effort on plays which he doesn't.

[Kasi]

Sure it’s good if they can convert there but their main job is to hold the line. You can’t just put a new player to the league on it and hope that Nathan or Connor doesn’t burn them. I think there are 3 serious candidates for the spot on the other wing there.

Dube - discussed before need someone to take his spot up on line 2.
Mangiapane - has good history with Backlund, will need same fill as Dube.
Rooney - probably provides more offence than Lewis but then we need a fourth line center to take his spot.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Kasi

Sure it’s good if they can convert there but their main job is to hold the line. You can’t just put a new player to the league on it and hope that Nathan or Connor doesn’t burn them. I think there are 3 serious candidates for the spot on the other wing there.

Dube - discussed before need someone to take his spot up on line 2.
Mangiapane - has good history with Backlund, will need same fill as Dube.
Rooney - probably provides more offence than Lewis but then we need a fourth line center to take his spot.

I think you may be confused I am agreeing with you lol. I don't think it's a farm guy just yet or Ruzicka. I also don't think mixing up the lines at this moment makes sense it hasn't been enough time to get them to gel.

At this point we may have to go shopping for that winger unfortunately.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

Toffoli leads the team in goals and Ritchie is tied for 2nd.

Kinda strange that these are the guys getting picked on...

They were talking about Lewis, not Ritchie.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Burning Beard

Lewis is on the third line because its a checking line and he's a good checker.

Tofolli is on the first line because he's a goal scorer.

So far Lewis has been a good checker and Tofolli is scoring goals so I don't see the same problems others seem to see.

I mean, I get what you're saying, and I mostly agree.

However, if Lewis is impairing the offensive production from Backlund and Coleman, that's a negative, regardless of his defensive play.

I have no problem with Toffoli at all. However, I think there is valid concern about Lewis and the 3rd line's production. I wonder if Ritchie wouldn't be a better candidate there.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

However, if Lewis is impairing the offensive production from Backlund and Coleman, that's a negative, regardless of his defensive play.

The question is, who would you put on that line that wouldn't impair the defensive play of Backlund and Coleman? Goals from the third line are a ‘nice to have’. Containing the opposition's top forwards is a ‘cannot do without’. You don't sacrifice what you need to chase what you merely want.

I haven't seen anything to suggest that Ritchie would be a net improvement on Lewis in that role. Ruzicka and the prospects would most likely be a significant net loss – especially considering how poorly Ruzicka played on the wing in camp.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

The question is, who would you put on that line that wouldn't impair the defensive play of Backlund and Coleman? Goals from the third line are a ‘nice to have’. Containing the opposition's top forwards is a ‘cannot do without’. You don't sacrifice what you need to chase what you merely want.

I haven't seen anything to suggest that Ritchie would be a net improvement on Lewis in that role. Ruzicka and the prospects would most likely be a significant net loss – especially considering how poorly Ruzicka played on the wing in camp.

I don't have faith in Ruzicka either. I suggested Ritchie might be better. I also think Rooney would be better. I would also be doing everything possible to prep Pelletier for the role. Would be awesome if he could grow into it later this year, but he id more likely not going to be an option until next season.

[1qqaaz]

Rasmus Andersson is 2nd in the league for points by a defenseman.

He's been in on a lot of the scoring.

[the-rasta-masta]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Rasmus Andersson is 2nd in the league for points by a defenseman.

He's been in on a lot of the scoring.

What a year to have been named Rasmus.

[Hot_Flatus]

This team has a long way to go at 5-5, but it is encouraging they are able to beat top teams when they are clearly no where near as good as they can or will be in a few weeks once the new lines have gelled.

[Bingo Jr.]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Rasmus Andersson is 2nd in the league for points by a defenseman.

He's been in on a lot of the scoring.

He's been our best defence man so far, as Weegar continues to get acclimated.

[Funkhouser]

I'd like to see:
Huberdeau Kadri Toffoli
Mangiapane Lindholm Dube
Coleman Backlund Phillips
Lucic Lewis Richie

[Heavy Jack]

Huberdeau - Kadri - Dube
Mangiapane - Lindholm - Phillips
Coleman - Backlund - Toffoli
Lucic - Rooney - Ritchie/Lewis

If we called up Phillips ideally we’d try with Lindy and having Mangi’s tenacity might help recreate the same ingredients as last years dominant top line. The more I think about it the more I want to see Huby with Kadri and I think Dube’s speed and straight line play would mesh well with that combo.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I don't have faith in Ruzicka either. I suggested Ritchie might be better. I also think Rooney would be better. I would also be doing everything possible to prep Pelletier for the role. Would be awesome if he could grow into it later this year, but he id more likely not going to be an option until next season.

I agree, Rooney would really fill that hole on the third line. But then you'd have to find a new centre for the fourth line, and I don't really like Ruzicka for that job either.

Strongly agree about Pelletier.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Burning Beard

Lewis is on the third line because its a checking line and he's a good checker.

Tofolli is on the first line because he's a goal scorer.

So far Lewis has been a good checker and Tofolli is scoring goals so I don't see the same problems others seem to see.

I agree with what you’re saying.

Lindholm has almost dissappeared though. Think they have to do something to get him going. Swapping Kadri and him might be it.

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Huberdeau - Kadri - Dube
Mangiapane - Lindholm - Phillips
Coleman - Backlund - Toffoli
Lucic - Rooney - Ritchie/Lewis

If we called up Phillips ideally we’d try with Lindy and having Mangi’s tenacity might help recreate the same ingredients as last years dominant top line. The more I think about it the more I want to see Huby with Kadri and I think Dube’s speed and straight line play would mesh well with that combo.

I love Phillips’ gusto but from what I’ve seen he’s just not strong or big enough for the show. My 2 cents.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

I love Phillips’ gusto but from what I’ve seen he’s just not strong or big enough for the show. My 2 cents.

He hasn't been good in the AHL yet people want him to replace someone on the .800 hockey NHL Flames

[TheScorpion]

Wait did you just say Phillips hasn't been good in the AHL lol

Say what you want about him with respect to the Flames but he's one of the best players in that league