[PGT] Flames Fall to Oilers Both Games

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

With regards to Nurse and defensive acumen: Show me a fresh out of junior defenseman who doesn't need to work on that. This is why defensemen are rarely ready as 18 or 19 year-olds, and also another reason why someone like Ekblad is incredibly rare. Both physically and mentally ready as an 18 year old on defense is hard to find.

Nurse will eventually learn the decision making process, especially now that McLellan is there.

Yes, defense takes longer to learn, and expecting 19 and 20 year olds to not make mistakes is unrealistic.

But some context is needed here.

It's not that he is making the usual amount of mistakes for a 20 year old, it's that he makes a lot of bad decisions - especially when he is pressured.

Relative to other 20 year olds.

I agree that the tool box is there. But he is still a bit of a mess defensively.

Far too early to call him a Phaneuf. However, the risk of him Phaneuf-ing is definitely there - it's a possibility, because he does make some terrible decisions when pressured.

Time will tell, and I expect he will become a really good player. But the concerns are valid.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Did anyone notice right before the fight Bollig had words with Nurse? Smith came in shortly after and the fight started. Almost like Bollig said its me or Smith.

I don't doubt it at all. He's been a target since the young stars tournament. The kid is going to get the snot kicked out of him this season.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Did anyone notice right before the fight Bollig had words with Nurse? Smith came in shortly after and the fight started. Almost like Bollig said its me or Smith.

He probably would have just fought Bollig if that was the case. Bollig isn't a very good fighter, and Nurse has like 3-4 inches on him.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

With regards to Nurse and defensive acumen: Show me a fresh out of junior defenseman who doesn't need to work on that. This is why defensemen are rarely ready as 18 or 19 year-olds, and also another reason why someone like Ekblad is incredibly rare. Both physically and mentally ready as an 18 year old on defense is hard to find.

I don't think anyone denies that... but the fact remains: anointing him as a "great" defenseman for Edmonton down the road is extremely premature. There is a long list of big players with great tools who don't put it together. That's why there's just no need to be paying any kind of praise at this point. A promising prospect? Sure. But in no way does that automatically translate to a sure thing for them down the road. There is no bigger "wait and see" than a young deneseman. It's an extremely difficult position to grow into and excel at.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by codynw

He probably would have just fought Bollig if that was the case. Bollig isn't a very good fighter, and Nurse has like 3-4 inches on him.

Bollig still has 20 pounds on Nurse and Nurse is probably scared of him. Bollig is a big boy and Nurse only has 2 inches on him which isn't much.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

What are the Flames charging for these games? I paid $165 per ticket. Fun night, but ouchh. What a rip off.

That's just the newly implemented McTax.

[mikephoen]

One good thing has come out of last night's two losses for me. I sold my tickets to the Oct 17th game against the oilers for and exorbitant amount on the ticket exchange this morning!

[Muffins]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Bollig still has 20 pounds on Nurse and Nurse is probably scared of him. Bollig is a big boy and Nurse only has 2 inches on him which isn't much.

And that 2 inches is all neck.

He's basically the Littlefoot of the NHL.

[YoungGuns]

I think Nurse would destroy Bollig.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

I think Nurse would destroy Bollig.

To no ones surprise would you say that.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

I think Nurse would destroy Bollig.

LOL. That's why Nurse didn't drop the gloves with him?

[YoungGuns]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

To no ones surprise would you say that.

How so? I called his last fight even.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

How so? I called his last fight even.

You do realize Bollig is a more specialized, and experienced fighter than Smith right?

[btimbit]

That'd be a good fight. I'm pretty sure Bollig doesn't feel pain, but he doesn't have the best balance so doesn't do too well against a Jackman type who tries to throw a guy around to avoid getting hit

[polak]

Wait are we talking Bollig with, or without the beard?

[getbak]

Nurse has a crazy long reach. At the combine in 2013, his wingspan measured in at 79" (6'7"). Smith's wingspan is 80".

Long reach can overcome a lot of deficiencies in technique. You could tell that both Nurse and Smith are used to holding the other guy back with their lefts and punching with their rights. When you're usually fighting guys with much shorter wingspans, that's all you really need to do because the other guy can throw as many punches as he wants, but none will make any impact.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by getbak

Nurse has a crazy long reach. At the combine in 2013, his wingspan measured in at 79" (6'7"). Smith's wingspan is 80".

Long reach can overcome a lot of deficiencies in technique. You could tell that both Nurse and Smith are used to holding the other guy back with their lefts and punching with their rights. When you're usually fighting guys with much shorter wingspans, that's all you really need to do because the other guy can throw as many punches as he wants, but none will make any impact.

I don't get the face grab by Nurse. It was one of those "oh crap I'm getting my $@# kicked, better grab his nose/hair and squeeze until he stops hitting me"

[Azhouse]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

I think Nurse would destroy Bollig.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by YoungGuns

I think Nurse would destroy Bollig.

So you think he would destroy Gazdic as well? Bollig and Gazdic have fought a few times in the minors. So would you put Nurse in the same category?

Bollig is by no means a nuclear deterrent, but he is by no means a slouch fighting.

I personally think Bollig went over to Nurse just to give him his two cents on the crap he pulled in Penticton. You know the fighters code and all that. IMO Nurse didn't play as close to the edge as he did in Penticton.

[YoungGuns]

I don't think Gazdic is a great fighter. He is 50/50. When he is "on" he's good, otherwise he isn't.