[PGT] The curse continues. Flames lose 5-3. Score flatters Flames.

[Chingas]

Originally Posted by codynw

I thought Ferland had a decent game last night. Am I the only one?

I think that Ferland has been decent to quite good since coming back, while some others have thought he has been a hot mess. Not sure whether there is any reason for the varied opinions or not.

None related comment. You know we are really in a weird spot in life when no one myself included was/is saying I can't wait until Hudler gets back. Such short memories when things are this rough. When after one good game many thought that Raymond had magically thrown a switch and was all of a sudden a first line player. Nope Chuck Testa.

[Hockeyguy15]

That was the worst possible start for the Flames, they got 2 easy goals and got lazy and thought they were in for an easy game. The Ducks took it to them for the rest of the night.

Really only the Bennett, Backlund, Frolik line looked good. Gaudreau and Monahan had an off game, it probably didn't help that they had 3 different wingers play with them but that isn't an excuse.

The back end was horrible. Brodie was the best by far but looked like he was frustrated and tried to do too much. Wideman looks like he is out of gas.

I would like to see a shake up on D, see these pairings for a few games. Brodie-Hamilton, Gio-Nakladal, Russell-Engelland.

Time to give Ortio one last shot before Hiller comes back. Either he plays like we hope he can, or he stinks again and we waive him.

[Chingas]

^he is on waivers as you typed that.

[BlackWallStreet]

Lol at Raymond playing on the first line at first

[Erick Estrada]

It appears Monahan is having that sophomore slump a year late. You see a few glimpses in games but he's invisible more than not. I think Gadreau is being burdened with carrying that line because Monahan and Hudler aren't bringing it every night. On the bright side it looks like he's been better in the faceoff circle.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It appears Monahan is having that sophomore slump a year late. You see a few glimpses in games but he's invisible more than not. I think Gadreau is being burdened with carrying that line because Monahan and Hudler aren't bringing it every night. On the bright side it looks like he's been better in the faceoff circle.

And Frolik and Bennett are being burdened by Backlund.

Simple solution?

Backlund - Monahan - Hudler
Gaudreau - Bennett - Frolik

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It appears Monahan is having that sophomore slump a year late. You see a few glimpses in games but he's invisible more than not. I think Gadreau is being burdened with carrying that line because Monahan and Hudler aren't bringing it every night. On the bright side it looks like he's been better in the faceoff circle.

^The analytics guys, writers from FlamesNation and such have been criticizing Monahan's game for a while. According to the fancy stats he is getting absolutely killed in terms of possession even when heavily sheltered and given favorable zone starts.

With some players the corsi doesn't match the eye test but in his case I think it does. You only notice him when he's sniping goals.

[DuffMan]

You could tell starting in the 2nd period there was no way they were going to win this game and break the streak.
They let the Ducks play like they were on a PP in their own zone, gave up goals easily when they were actually on the PK. When they Flames had the PP, the plan was for whoever had the puck at the red line was supposed to try to get through the 4 defenders on their own and carry the puck to the net.
Yep, they made damn sure they weren't going to break the streak.

[CsInMyBlood]

Somebody tell we why Hamilton and Raymond are on the ice on that 6 on 4 with the goalie pulled.

Its like making it a 4 on 4 with an empty net.

Both Hamilton and Raymond gave up the puck at different times during that shift.

Frustrating as hell.

[ScorchyScorch]

Agreed. Gaudreau needs to play alongside Bennett and Frolik again.

Hudler and Mony are still usually quite good together when Hudler decides to show up.

[Benched]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

Its like making it a 4 on 4 with an empty net.

Not quite true.

We're actually good at 4on4....they looked piss poor.

[ScorchyScorch]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Well...judging by this thread, the seasons is already over, the Flames have no possibility of ever being better, and they should probably just fold the franchise and save everyone some time.

It's one loss.

Yes, they should have found a way to win with the lead heading into the 3rd period. It didn't happen. So be it. I don't know what to say anymore. It's just not our year and obviously it'll be a struggle to stay out of the bottom 5 in the league.

And?

What else should they do? They're playing hard, they're competitive in every game, and they're just struggling to win. It's not the end of the world if they have a down year. Veterans will be moved, more prospects will be drafted, and this team will still eventually get better.

Giordano might just be having an off year. I am fully confident in his abilities long term, even if it's as a 2nd pairing d-man.

Hamilton had one bad play tonight and it cost the team. He'll still be fine.

The forward core of Monahan, Gaudreau, Bennett, Frolik and maybe even Backlund will be just fine.

We don't have a long term option in net, but we will. Gillies or McDonald will fill the net at some point.

It's just going to be one of this years where very little goes our way. We had all the luck in the world last year and it was great. We all loved the team and loved each other. Let's not tear these same players down because the luck has been against us this year.

I know nobody will agree with me, but I watched the Flames give a solid road effort tonight and had a tough time in a tough building against a team they have traditionally had a tough time against. Not much more to say about it.

And I saw the team give a far, far better effort particularly defensively versus a team they traditionally had a tough time against in the previous game.

Last night wasn't the same. In fact it was night and day. It's all a matter of opinion and perspective but I think the Flames could've played the Ducks a hell of a lot harder and smarter in the kind of game that can kick start a turnaround given their long stretch of futility there and they didn't play their game at all. They played right into the hands of a team that coming in could not bury goals if their lives depended on it. They let them dictate play until the Anaheim of old got their legs under them again. If anything, we may have even kick started their offense last night because we decided to play the game like it was last year.

I think we have every right to be frustrated after witnessing the team piss away the only 2-0 cushion I can recall them being gifted in that building in ages. If everyone actually came in with the drive and focus required we would've held onto that lead for more than half a period. It's as simple as that. No more excuses for a team that in terms of the roster on paper is supposed to be improved from the team that exited in the second round of the playoffs the season prior. Some of it is luck, but you most definitely can't explain it all away with poor luck/bounces.

It's funny that the two guys that actually did carry over their play from the chicago game were Bennett and Frolik, who weren't on the team through last season. They didn't seem to know any better so they didn't play straight into the Ducks strengths like the rest of the team has historically, and did again yesterday. I just see a continuation of bad habits in that building, because it's that building and that team.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

Somebody tell we why Hamilton and Raymond are on the ice on that 6 on 4 with the goalie pulled.

Its like making it a 4 on 4 with an empty net.

Both Hamilton and Raymond gave up the puck at different times during that shift.

Frustrating as hell.

Because offence is their strong suit? Who did you want on D? Engelland? Ol' "miss the net" Russell?

Raymond is an open ice player, and also played quite well the game before. he also has a good shot. Now maybe you want Jones instead, or Ferland, in order crash the net, but with Hudler out, there's only a couple guys with offence left. Plus Hartley knew that he needed offence if the PP didn't pan out, but they were still a man up with the EN. So there were going to be chances for most offensive minded players.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

2nd in the nhl Pittsburgh at philly is 23 straight losses or is it the other way around? either way. Almost a record.

Not even close yet in terms of being winless.

1973-74 season: Sun Jan 20 1974 at Phi Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 3
1973-74 season: Thu Feb 7 1974 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 4
1974-75 season: Sun Dec 22 1974 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 0
1974-75 season: Thu Mar 13 1975 at Phi Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 0
1975-76 season: Sun Nov 9 1975 at Phi Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 4
1975-76 season: Thu Jan 15 1976 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 1
1976-77 season: Thu Oct 28 1976 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 0
1976-77 season: Sun Mar 13 1977 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 0
1977-78 season: Thu Oct 20 1977 at Phi Philadelphia 11, Pittsburgh 0
1977-78 season: Thu Jan 12 1978 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 4 (tie)
1978-79 season: Thu Oct 19 1978 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
1978-79 season: Thu Dec 14 1978 at Phi Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1
1979-80 season: Thu Dec 20 1979 at Phi Philadelphia 1, Pittsburgh 1 (tie)
1979-80 season: Sun Feb 17 1980 at Phi Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 5
1980-81 season: Thu Oct 9 1980 at Phi Philadelphia 7, Pittsburgh 4
1980-81 season: Tue Feb 17 1981 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 1
1981-82 season: Sun Oct 11 1981 at Phi Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 2
1981-82 season: Thu Oct 29 1981 at Phi Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 4
1981-82 season: Sun Dec 20 1981 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
1981-82 season: Sun Feb 7 1982 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 4
1982-83 season: Thu Oct 28 1982 at Phi Philadelphia 9, Pittsburgh 2
1982-83 season: Sun Dec 12 1982 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 3
1982-83 season: Thu Jan 13 1983 at Phi Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 1
1982-83 season: Thu Feb 24 1983 at Phi Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 3
1983-84 season: Sun Oct 9 1983 at Phi Philadelphia 7, Pittsburgh 1
1983-84 season: Sun Nov 20 1983 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 4 (OT)
1983-84 season: Thu Mar 22 1984 at Phi Philadelphia 13, Pittsburgh 4
1984-85 season: Sun Oct 21 1984 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 2
1984-85 season: Sat Dec 1 1984 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
1984-85 season: Mon Feb 18 1985 at Phi Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 2
1984-85 season: Sun Mar 10 1985 at Phi Philadelphia 11, Pittsburgh 4
1985-86 season: Sun Nov 24 1985 at Phi Philadelphia 7, Pittsburgh 4
1985-86 season: Sun Dec 22 1985 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2 (OT)
1985-86 season: Thu Mar 20 1986 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 1
1986-87 season: Thu Oct 23 1986 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 3
1986-87 season: Thu Jan 29 1987 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 3
1986-87 season: Thu Feb 19 1987 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 4 (tie)
1986-87 season: Sun Mar 22 1987 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
1987-88 season: Sun Oct 18 1987 at Phi Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2
1987-88 season: Thu Nov 12 1987 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 2
1987-88 season: Sun Mar 20 1988 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 2
1988-89 season: Sun Nov 6 1988 at Phi Philadelphia 5, Pittsburgh 4
1988-89 season: Thu Dec 8 1988 at Phi Philadelphia 4, Pittsburgh 3
1988-89 season: Thu Feb 2 1989 at Phi Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 3

39 loses and 3 ties between wins.

23 consecutive losses in the middle there which the Flames now tied.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It appears Monahan is having that sophomore slump a year late. You see a few glimpses in games but he's invisible more than not. I think Gadreau is being burdened with carrying that line because Monahan and Hudler aren't bringing it every night. On the bright side it looks like he's been better in the faceoff circle.

Monahan is on pace for a 56 point season. I wouldn't call this entire year a slump yet.

Sure, I would expect him to improve on his previous 62 points, but the team as a whole is playing worse so it's not realistic to expect him to get a higher point total until the team plays better as a whole.

[CsInMyBlood]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Because offence is their strong suit? Who did you want on D? Engelland? Ol' "miss the net" Russell?

Raymond is an open ice player, and also played quite well the game before. he also has a good shot. Now maybe you want Jones instead, or Ferland, in order crash the net, but with Hudler out, there's only a couple guys with offence left. Plus Hartley knew that he needed offence if the PP didn't pan out, but they were still a man up with the EN. So there were going to be chances for most offensive minded players.

Oh yeah there is only Engelland and Russell other than fumbling bumbling Hamilton. And yeah I would certainly have put out Ol "miss the net" Russell who had 2 assists in the game already, over Hamilton who was once again fighting the puck and trying to give it away all night.

Raymond is simply horrible. Ferland, Backlund, Frolik, Jones, Colborne, hell even Stajan would have been a better decision. What does Raymond do? Skate hunched over, over skating the puck as it goes the other way. Ever notice he is always skating in as the opposition is transitioning the puck up the ice? His trademark was his speed, but the game has passed him by. One dimensional and hes not even good at his one dimension. His forecheck is laughably weak. There is a reason he passed through waivers. Don't understand why he hasn't been shot out of a cannon into the sun yet.

Bring up Granlund. Or Shore. Or Grant. Or Freddie Hamilton. Hell bring lameass Setoguchi back. Or ANYBODY. Just get this guy off of the Flames.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

Oh yeah there is only Engelland and Russell other than fumbling bumbling Hamilton. And yeah I would certainly have put out Ol "miss the net" Russell who had 2 assists in the game already, over Hamilton who was once again fighting the puck and trying to give it away all night.

Raymond is simply horrible. Ferland, Backlund, Frolik, Jones, Colborne, hell even Stajan would have been a better decision. What does Raymond do? Skate hunched over, over skating the puck as it goes the other way. Ever notice he is always skating in as the opposition is transitioning the puck up the ice? His trademark was his speed, but the game has passed him by. One dimensional and hes not even good at his one dimension. His forecheck is laughably weak. There is a reason he passed through waivers. Don't understand why he hasn't been shot out of a cannon into the sun yet.

Bring up Granlund. Or Shore. Or Grant. Or Freddie Hamilton. Hell bring lameass Setoguchi back. Or ANYBODY. Just get this guy off of the Flames.

They played over 3 minutes with the net empty IIRC. Raymond and Hamilton were bound to be out at some point during that period. Since defence isn't their strong suit, better to have them in the power play portion than later on.

Are you really asking why a "one-dimensional player" was on a 6 on 4 PP? Raymond was among the least of the Flames problems last night. And Hamilton had a really bad play, but outside of that was OK. And yes, on offence I will take him over Russell any old day, 2 (second) assists or not.

Maybe you should reserve "shot out of a cannon into the sun" for a player that actually cost the Flames the game. Like, say, Jooris.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Raymond was among the least of the Flames problems last night.

Kerr noted about an hour ago on the Fan that he was pulled off the top line after that icing where he was too lazy to skate to the red line before dumping it in.

That stuff is why Hartley benches him.

[CsInMyBlood]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

They played over 3 minutes with the net empty IIRC. Raymond and Hamilton were bound to be out at some point during that period. Since defence isn't their strong suit, better to have them in the power play portion than later on.

Are you really asking why a "one-dimensional player" was on a 6 on 4 PP? Raymond was among the least of the Flames problems last night. And Hamilton had a really bad play, but outside of that was OK. And yes, on offence I will take him over Russell any old day, 2 (second) assists or not.

Maybe you should reserve "shot out of a cannon into the sun" for a player that actually cost the Flames the game. Like, say, Jooris.

At least Jooris will hustle, hit and forecheck. Jooris was a rookie last year and makes 3 times less than Raymond.

Least of the Flames problems? Pretty sad when he pulls down the play of Monahan and Gaudreau for most of the game. That is not the least of the Flames problems. That is a big problem. Gifted first line duties and is a detriment.

As far as Hamilton goes, he had more than one bad play last night, but that one cost them a goal. He has a LONG way to go before he earns any of that contract he was given.

Also its fairly obvious you didn't actually watch the game by your comments, but Kris Russell was the sole reason that first goal happened. Was not a second assist, was his move after getting the puck and then his shot on net that created the rebound that Frolik put in the net. Might want to watch the highlites again.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by saillias

Kerr noted about an hour ago on the Fan that he was pulled off the top line after that icing where he was too lazy to skate to the red line before dumping it in.

That stuff is why Hartley benches him.

Didn't look like he was being lazy to me, looked like he was afraid of the contact.