Canucks recall Baertschi. Update: expected to play in Game 5

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by troutman

Is that the strategy? Aeneas and I were screaming at the TV for everyone to stop watching the Sedin with the puck, and leaving the other one wide open. Keep a man attached to both of them at all times.

Certainly is. I think it was Hartley's post-game and Wideman's post game interview where they said they're pretty much happy to let the Sedins do their cycle thing and they'll just sit at the posts and watch.

If you watch, the only time the Flames make a move below the goal line is to chase a loose puck that's winnable. if they lose the puck battle, back to the post they go. It works.

I should point out it more a trapezoid the Flames are playing than a box. The two wingers will sit higher and out towards the boards more. almost like they want to funnel the puck into the middle of the ice and box out the Canucks players. Creating a decent transition set-up.

[Flashpoint]

In a series where they've been too soft, the solution is to become softer.

Good plan.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

In a series where they've been too soft, the solution is to become softer.

Good plan.

Their prospect pool sucks though, so they don't have much of a choice. he is their best LW prospect but was at least 3rd or 4th on the Flames prospect depth chart.

[Trailer Fire]

Originally Posted by Locke

Calling him an Ex-Flame is being pretty generous.

They must be truly desperate.

Ex-Adirondack Flame. Technically right.

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Hartley knows what makes that kid tick (and not tick).

Thing is - now they have to take someone out, and it can only be a LW because Sven can't play C or RW. So Higgins (who hasn't done much but is a pretty good player IMO), Kenins (who has been physical anyway) or McMillan.

didn't even know this guy existed...oh well it's been a couple saucy nights at the dome the last few games...

[Gaudfather]

Let's hope the Flames send Sven home on Thursday night in bewildered state so that he is questioning himself all summer as to whether he is NHL ready.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by troutman

Is that the strategy? Aeneas and I were screaming at the TV for everyone to stop watching the Sedin with the puck, and leaving the other one wide open. Keep a man attached to both of them at all times.

Terrible idea to chase them - they are extremely skilled and will undress whoever chases them. They also have a incredible ability to know where everyone is at all times and respond to it so within a split second of undressing a flame they would be finding the open guy.

Most of their goals come from tic tac toe plays. We are not allowing that and challenging them to straight up shoot it. Its worked great!

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Worth a shot for Nuck fans, as he should be motivated. McMillan out is certainly no great loss.
As per the matchups, it shouldn't matter to the Flames; they should all be salivating at the chance to expose his shortcomings and to prove why he had no business being with the big club.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Terrible idea to chase them - they are extremely skilled and will undress whoever chases them. They also have a incredible ability to know where everyone is at all times and respond to it so within a split second of undressing a flame they would be finding the open guy.

Most of their goals come from tic tac toe plays. We are not allowing that and challenging them to straight up shoot it. Its worked great!

This.

The Sedins have had to make a pass through three or four guys or take a shot from the outside and hope it makes it through. They are frustrated that they can't get anything done despite the cycle. If a Flame breaks ranks and chases, or if the try to shadow, they end up behind the puck, and creating open ice and the backdoor play that killed the Flames in the past.

[polak]

HF thinks he'll be the answer to Ferland. Clearly they've never seen him play.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

It's definitely the strategy. You can see the team is making a concerted effort to not follow them below the goal line and just keep them on the periphery. It's a little unnerving to watch, but seems to have been effective so far.

I like it it, it's perfect. The Sedins create mismatches with quick puck movement to open lanes for easy tap ins. If you let them have the outside the just float around looking for openings. It looks nerve wracking, but as long as those corner-front of net lanes are closed, it works.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Hartley knows what makes that kid tick (and not tick).

Thing is - now they have to take someone out, and it can only be a LW because Sven can't play C or RW. So Higgins (who hasn't done much but is a pretty good player IMO), Kenins (who has been physical anyway) or McMillan.

McMillan, without question. He was an utter liability for the Canucks last night.

Honestly, if Baertschi is simply invisible, that would be an upgrade for them.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by polak

HF thinks he'll be the answer to Ferland. Clearly they've never seen him play.

Wow, Sven might be an answer some day for a team that needs an offensive boost. I doubt that answer comes in game 5, but I suppose you never know. However, he will never be an answer for Ferland. That is utter nonsense.
I haven't paid any attention to the nuck fanbase, but are they thinking Kassian might have helped? He is the only guy I can think of that might match up.

[buyakasha]

If he scores, the arena is going to explode. Scary thought for game 5.

Just kidding.

Ferland.

That is all.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

Originally Posted by polak

HF thinks he'll be the answer to Ferland. Clearly they've never seen him play.

Has someone here been pumping up the "mini Hossa" moniker we all hoped he would one day live up to? That would be awesome; talk about false hopes and being set up for disappointment.. I was a huge Bärtschi supporter (borderline apologist), and I cringe at the thought of him making his plaid debit tmr. Ferkland would show him in 2 or less shifts why the executive membership (aka playing in our division) and its fancy cash back benefits come with some serious hidden costs.

[Resolute 14]

If we're playing hard and coming at Vancouver with the games 1, 3 and 4 forecheck, Baertschi is going to learn precisely why he never made this team.

If we're skating poorly, overconfident or not passing well, then Baertschi will have a chance to succeed.

But in either case, his performance is more dependent on us than himself.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jahrmes

Has someone here been pumping up the "mini Hossa" moniker we all hoped he would one day live up to? That would be awesome; talk about false hopes and being set up for disappointment.. I was a huge Bärtschi supporter (borderline apologist), and I cringe at the thought of him making his plaid debit tmr. Ferkland would show him in 2 or less shifts why the executive membership (aka playing in our division) and its fancy cash back benefits come with some serious hidden costs.

ummm.... what?

[Robbob]

I have a feeling the canuck fans are going to quickly find that they were sold something completely different and it won't meet their expectations. Like buying an iPhune.

[FlameZilla]

I fully expect Baertschi to put up a point or 2 in game 5. Maybe the Nucks even win it. They won't be able to cope with the C of Red in game 6 though.

[keratosis]

Originally Posted by polak

HF thinks he'll be the answer to Ferland. Clearly they've never seen him play.

They are talking about the same Sven that played for us, right?