[PGT] Flames 4 - Senators 2 - We Win!

[AcGold]

Does not compute

[Torrie the Whaler]

I am hoping that there are o serious injuries to Giordano, Brodie and Wideman. They are special players who cannot be replaced very easily. Last year started the same but once we lost Giordano and Wideman, we started to spinout. Honorable mention to the goaltenders.

[kn]

I'd hate to have to make the decision on who comes out when guys start getting healthy.

[Gaskal]

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Flames Fan, Ph.D.

The number of times that I saw a forward responsibly covering for a defensemen reached a season high last night. At one point in the third, Granlund was covering the left point, the puck was flipped past him and he came back into our D-zone to recover the puck... the only other player in the zone was another forward who had backtracked to cover for a defensemen. I think it was Gaudreau.

Just great awareness and responsibility this season.

Hughson and Simpson repeated something said by one of the coaches (I can't remember if it was Hartley, Cloutier or Gelinas) that perfectly described what was happening last night and, well, any night really. They are teaching the players to play as a five-man unit every time they are on the ice—five forwards in the offensive zone, five defensemen in their own zone. It seems to be making an impact, and producing a collective pathological commitment to a pack mentality in every zone.

[Itse]

It's Markus Granlund btw. (Proncounces the same obviously.)

I have to admit I was a huge doubter of Markus. Mostly I think I really underestimated his hockey IQ. I guess it's just that he plays a deceptively simple game. Mikael Granlund is the type of guy who can wow you with Gaudreau-like vision and hands. As others have said, Markus is more of the quiet type, like Langkow or something. Just very, very reliable. Has to be well liked by coaches.

I also think his defensive game and speed have taken important steps,

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Hughson and Simpson repeated something said by one of the coaches (I can't remember if it was Hartley, Cloutier or Gelinas) that perfectly described what was happening last night and, well, any night really. They are teaching the players to play as a five-man unit every time they are on the ice—five forwards in the offensive zone, five defensemen in their own zone. It seems to be making an impact, and producing a collective pathological commitment to a pack mentality in every zone.

The upgraded swarm strategy - a swarm on defence, then a swarm on offence!

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Hughson and Simpson repeated something said by one of the coaches (I can't remember if it was Hartley, Cloutier or Gelinas) that perfectly described what was happening last night and, well, any night really. They are teaching the players to play as a five-man unit every time they are on the ice—five forwards in the offensive zone, five defensemen in their own zone. It seems to be making an impact, and producing a collective pathological commitment to a pack mentality in every zone.

It goes beyond that. Our young guys are coming up and they are being taught how to properly play the game of hockey. Practices are being structured this way.

If you've watched hockey for a while, you notice small things like that. Russell is a great example. Watch his work with the puck, away from the puck, when he is defending, etc, etc. He is extremely smart, and extremely underrated. His positioning, patience and decision making is remarkable. The last few games there have been more than a few instances where he can completely open up the ice by making a single move. Remarkable to watch.

Smart players with high hockey IQ being taught how to properly play the game of hockey by coaches who understand it properly leads to a bunch of guys have the ability to as a TEAM be extremely successful. It also helps players like Russell be extremely successful.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by Azure

It goes beyond that. Our young guys are coming up and they are being taught how to properly play the game of hockey. Practices are being structured this way.

Smart players with high hockey IQ being taught how to properly play the game of hockey by coaches who understand it properly leads to a bunch of guys have the ability to as a TEAM be extremely successful. It also helps players like Russell be extremely successful.

There was a great example of this last night in the third period. The Flames were under pressure in their own zone along the left side boards. Over the duration of about 30 seconds different Flame players (I think three in total) touched the puck and kept forcing it back up along the boards towards the blue line. Not one tried to dump it towards center ice (higher risk of being picked off and ending up in your net), just kept working it up the boards and eventually got it out.

Small play really, but I thought it showed thinking and discipline.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Hughson and Simpson repeated something said by one of the coaches (I can't remember if it was Hartley, Cloutier or Gelinas) that perfectly described what was happening last night and, well, any night really. They are teaching the players to play as a five-man unit every time they are on the ice—five forwards in the offensive zone, five defensemen in their own zone. It seems to be making an impact, and producing a collective pathological commitment to a pack mentality in every zone.

I've also heard through several interviews with Ryan Huska over the radio that this is the exact type of team dynamic they're trying to teach the AHL'ers to follow. 5 men up, 5 men back.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

This isn't even the best Markus can play guys. He still has more to show, which is the exciting part. Wait until he starts showing his true skill on the PK. He'll be catching breakaways like Byron has been.

What's more is he hasn't even begun sniping yet. He arguably has the most accurate shot in the organization (behind maybe Bennett and Gaudreau). Last night's backhand shelf was just the tip of the iceberg for Markus.

[saillias]

Ok so haven't seen anyone really mention him lately, so I'll say it. Gaudreau has not been very good the past few games. It may help him to watch another game from the press box. Other teams get on him before he can make plays, and he is giving up the puck or throwing it to nowhere often. Sven looks better right now.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by saillias

Ok so haven't seen anyone really mention him lately, so I'll say it. Gaudreau has not been very good the past few games. It may help him to watch another game from the press box. Other teams get on him before he can make plays, and he is giving up the puck or throwing it to nowhere often. Sven looks better right now.

Because he hasn't been on the scoresheet?

He's had some missed passes, yeah - but if Hudler buried some of those dishes, he'd have gotten some assists last night.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by saillias

Ok so haven't seen anyone really mention him lately, so I'll say it. Gaudreau has not been very good the past few games. It may help him to watch another game from the press box. Other teams get on him before he can make plays, and he is giving up the puck or throwing it to nowhere often. Sven looks better right now.

I agree he hasn't been great... but I don't see why you need to scratch him. its not putting in Setoguchi or McGrattan makes the team any better. He's got to learn to work through these things. He still could have had a great assist if Hudler hadn't fired that backhand over the net.

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by Azure

Lots of our guys do it. Even Glencross tried to block a shot like that last night.

Glencross?? Hmmm according to some of Glencross-haters he just floats around and not contributing. Funny when he does some good things noone notices but when he makes one mistakes, haters are all over him. I love this team and I don't watch for negatives on an individual players no matter if he is my favorite or least favorite player.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by saillias

Ok so haven't seen anyone really mention him lately, so I'll say it. Gaudreau has not been very good the past few games. It may help him to watch another game from the press box. Other teams get on him before he can make plays, and he is giving up the puck or throwing it to nowhere often. Sven looks better right now.

Yeah, even though he hasn't scored in a few games, Gaudreau has been fine, and I don't necessarily agree that Beartschi looks better right now. Guardian has not been sensational, and I expect that is the problem here: one day, he will be one of those players who dazzles and succeeds EVERY game. But he is still just 21-years old, and with only 20 NHL games on his resumé. He'll get there. And I don't think he needs another night off.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by Red Ice Player

The usual Glencross hatred. According to you guys, he's lazy and useless. Thankfully, Hartley disagrees, and he knows hockey.

It's likely the biggest point of debate vs. Cp'ers.

Most like the Bouma / Backlund (Retro Ranheim) ilk, where you see them buzzing around, blocking shots, being busy etc.

Unfortunately, this has never equated / guaranteed the ability to be a top scorer or point producer.

Vision, knowing where your teammates are and expending energy at the right times is the key to longevity and a productive career.

As fun as it would be to watch a roster with 23 chickens and their heads cut off on the ice, this would not lead to success.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by saillias

Ok so haven't seen anyone really mention him lately, so I'll say it. Gaudreau has not been very good the past few games. It may help him to watch another game from the press box. Other teams get on him before he can make plays, and he is giving up the puck or throwing it to nowhere often. Sven looks better right now.

Except for the pass /drop that went awry near the 14 minute mark of the 3rd, which went back for a scoring chance. He was ok, not great, that "thing" he did to Hudler ,to leave him all alone in front is worthy of more games until guys get healthy.

One way or the other, someone(s) x3? are going to grab seats upstairs when Colborne, Raymond and Backs return.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

You feel Bouma and Backlund play like chickens with their heads cut off...?

Please start watching the games.

[AC]

I just hate when people claim a player is lazy, or floating, or disinterested.

Its simply not the case, especially with Hartley as the coach. If anything players can be guilty of trying too much, whether it be trying too hard to create an odd man rush, or getting a puck in the defensive blueline and instead of chipping it off the boards and out safely they try for a pass.

Hell, Iginla still gets crap thrown at him for being "disinterested" here. When we've since heard he had gone to the owners several times the years prior to his trade to ask for a few more games to prove we could do it. That's all heart.

I'm sick and tired of people questioning a Flames' character. The worst you can accurately say is Glencross is guilty of making some bad decisions.

But now we get BS like this even popping up:

Originally Posted by AAcGold

I don't hate glencross, have a feeling the guy has off ice issues in his personal life. I won't speculate but he visibly looks depressed pretty much all the time.