[PGT] Growing pains continue! Flames still get a point!

[Vulcan]

- They can't hold a lead for the life of them. As a fan, I'm prepared for that. I'm prepared to have that happen. Holding onto a win will come with time, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.

They've had trouble holding leads for a few seasons. I think it's become a confidence issue which can only be solved by somebody stepping up and winning the game. We don't have the star or goalie to do that right now.

[Wastedyouth]

Butler isn't great, but Hartley is putting him and O'Brien into situations a 3rd pairing should never be in. They are starting 65% of their shifts in the D zone. that is a top pairing shutdown Dman situation of which they definitely are not suited.

That being said, Butler isn't doing too terribly, O'Brien is struggling mightily. A lot what you guys are complaining about with Butler is simply confirmation bias and preconceived dislike of the player.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

They've had trouble holding leads for a few seasons. I think it's become a confidence issue which can only be solved by somebody stepping up and winning the game. We don't have the star or goalie to do that right now.

There's different reasons for not being able to hold on to a lead, and I think ours has changed.

Previously we got outworked when the other team got desperate, and just generally lacked defensive discipline.

Now we don't have the experience to play safe, mistake free hockey for any extended period of time if the other team starts putting pressure on us.

Btw; people have been harping on Joe Colborne, so I have to say this in his defense: not a goal scored against us while he's been on ice. Small sample of course, only about 18 minutes of total icetime, but he's been succesful at what he's been told to do.

Burke and Feaster both said they're planning to turn him into a defensive / bottom 6 player. He's in the middle of that process, plus still getting used to our system and the team. IMO he's done okay, considering the circumstances.

[TurnedTheCorner]

It's a nice stretch of the schedule now after this better than expected start. From Monday, the Flames only have 3 games in 12 days. With the home opener out of the way and a win under its belt, the club can focus on integrating new players into the team more fully (Colborne, Monahan) and resting up injured players (Stajan, Cammalleri, Smith?) without missing a lot of game time. It's an opportunity to get some good practicing and routines established.

Take advantage of it while it lasts. After the 12 days, there's a five game in nine nights road trip.

[AC]

Didn't want to start another thread, but apparently MacDonald is starting again tomorrow.

I don't get why exactly.

[TurnedTheCorner]

I'm grasping at straws and suggesting that he may be extra motivated to play against his former team?

[AC]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

I'm grasping at straws and suggesting that he may be extra motivated to play against his former team?

MacDonald? He's never been a Canadien. Only an Islander, Maple Leaf, and Red Wing.

Ramo was traded by Montreal though.

[DOOM]

No idea why they would go back to MacDonald..ugh.

[TurnedTheCorner]

D'oh, thought it was the Wings on Wednesday for some reason. Yeah, I've got nothing.

[IntenseFan]

^ To my mind, MacDonald and Ramo are pretty much equivalent. Neither is lights out, or even that much above average.

Obviously the coaching staff likes what the see from the former a bit more. I don't see it myself, but hopefully someone in the Flames brass knows what they are doing.

[Miniac]

Originally Posted by AC

Didn't want to start another thread, but apparently MacDonald is starting again tomorrow.

I don't get why exactly.

Seriously?..

[AC]

Originally Posted by Miniac

Seriously?..

@KristenOdlandCH
Flames head coach Bob Hartley gives G Joey MacDonald his third start of the #NHL season...going with the same lineup vs. Canucks

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by AC

Didn't want to start another thread, but apparently MacDonald is starting again tomorrow.

I don't get why exactly.

So going with the winning goalie was basically just bull####?

[Bertuzzied]

Ugh! stop the madness!

Oh well. Bet over flames fans!

[SuperMatt18]

Yeah don't like that call at all.

Ramo played a good first game and was done in by a bad PK and some deflections.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

So going with the winning goalie was basically just bull####?

I'm not sure that was something the coaches ever said, just something we collectively had hoped for maybe.

[Henry Fool]

I hope it's not just Hartley being a coward. So easy to lean on the guy with NHL experience if you're unsure, but they're supposed to be letting the recent signings to show their stuff.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by AC

I'm not sure that was something the coaches ever said, just something we collectively had hoped for maybe.

This is from memory, but in a video before the second game, when asked about it, Hartley said "We're in the business of winning hockey games."

[Miniac]

I personally think MacDonald has looked very slow in net. But obviously the coaching staff are okay with him starting.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by AC

@KristenOdlandCH
Flames head coach Bob Hartley gives G Joey MacDonald his third start of the #NHL season...going with the same lineup vs. Canucks

macgratton should pay for his giveaway at least for one game.

Put in Jackman.