[PGT] Flames 3 - Devils 2

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

Believe it or not, I was once "Agnostic" to Backlund's existance/contributions/proneness to injuries and future with the Flames. It was the hordes of CP apologists that ran to protect him at every turn, that lit the match.

The hoard of CP apologists seem right and you seem oh so wrong.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Randy Sportak ‏@SUNRandySportak 2m #flames Mikael Backlund not on the ice for this morning's practice.

At least the flames don't play a lot right now so hopefully he won't miss many games.

[AC]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

anyone have the video of this?

Here we go:

This team. This team.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

Believe it or not, I was once "Agnostic" to Backlund's existance/contributions/proneness to injuries and future with the Flames. It was the hordes of CP apologists that ran to protect him at every turn, that lit the match.

[flamesfever]

I starting to really like Lee Stempniak. His speed and hustle, and ability to make things happen is a great example for the younger players...even though he manages a lot of shots and so few go in.

[djsFlames]

If indeed Backlund is hurt and needs some time, we need a solid center option coming up.

That HAS to be Horak. They really gave him the shaft at the end of camp, it's time they make up for it.

Also, I don't think they'd be able to send Monahan down even if they wanted to. We may just Need him in the lineup come game 9 with these injuries.

[Tinordi]

The other big take away from this game is the growth of Baertschi's game in an NHL player. He has improved immensely over the past three games now and looks nothing like the player of last season or at the end of two seasons ago. Frankly, last year he didn't look like an NHL player, he looked small, easily handled, and over his head.

In the past three games he's looked like he's finally clicking with the size and speed of the game. He's making astute NHL plays even away from the puck. He's chipping the puck forward, he's making space for the puck carrier, he's starting to be the right places instead of beign a step behind the play. All of this is very good news for Flames fans.

I have to say that after his terrible camp I was worried about him. Not anymore, he's going to have a long career in league as a top six forward.

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

If indeed Backlund is hurt and needs some time, we need a solid center option coming up.

That HAS to be Horak. They really gave him the shaft at the end of camp, it's time they make up for it.

Also, I don't think they'd be able to send Monahan down even if they wanted to. We may just Need him in the lineup come game 9 with these injuries.

As much as I like Horak, I'm not sure his performance in the first 3 games justifies him being called up over some other guys. He does have a lot of SOG though, so maybe he's been playing well and just hasn't gotten a break, as of yet. I haven't watched any of the games, so someone like Pierre might be better served to comment on it.

[djsFlames]

If you were being bounced back and forth regardless of your play/effort like Roman has been, you'd probably be finding it hard to continue putting out at the lower level too.

I thought he was one of the strongest youngsters in camp.

Also, I think Knight needs to continue getting some seasoning in the A, as he's only just come from the NCAA system. Horak has more than enough experience.

[Dion]

[nik-]

Monahan getting a lot of love for that goal and the play to keep it alive, and rightfully so, but I can't get over that pass from Baertschi ... god damn.

[AC]

Backlund update:
http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=686486

BACKLUND MISSES PRACTICE
"Just minor bruises," Hartley noted.

"We have lots of goalies," the bench boss chuckled. "We will have to call the NHL and the NHL [will have to add] a few names. We have a few guys who are bumped but Backs is nothing serious.

"He should be on the ice on Monday morning."

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Well if Backlund is out for any period of time, that essentially solves the Monahan won't be going back issue if it was one already.

Hope he isn't out too long, seems every time he's about to break out a poorly timed injury pops up.

Monahan essentially solved the Monahan won't be going back issue.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by AC

Here we go:

This team. This team.

Best. Gif. EVER!

This team's compete level and comradery is infectious. Could you get a gif of Monahan and Baertchi on the bench after the goal? When I saw that I couldn't help but laugh cause you could see how in awe they were of the whole situation.

[Meers]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Monahan essentially solved the Monahan won't be going back issue.

Agreed. He is the new "core" around which the Flames will be built.

Just great to watch him play.

[Manhattanboy]

Cherry had better give the Flames and guys like Bouma and Russell props on Coaches Corner. He has to love the heart this team is showing.

[Prufrock]

Originally Posted by nik-

Monahan getting a lot of love for that goal and the play to keep it alive, and rightfully so, but I can't get over that pass from Baertschi ... god damn.

That pass was a great. Another aspect of that goal that I feel is overlooked is Baertschi tying up Clowe, which allowed Monahan to push it back to Wideman. Great play by the young guys!!

[genetic_phreek]

Originally Posted by AC

Here we go:

This team. This team.

AC, you're clutch!

[Tinordi]

What is he saying?

[Zevo]

So many good things about that goal. Hudler is also instrumental in driving the net and drawing the two defenders. I really like him on that line. Liked Stempniak on that line too though. Nice to have options, even with all the injuries. Haven't seen that in a while.

Gotta say that Hartley is doing a great job right now with the lines.