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

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by 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.

Likely has something to do with who's on the ice. Hartley should be matching them (when he can) with who he wants them to play against. Do you really want SOB and Butler taking all our offensive zone face offs also? People'd be calling Hartley out for that as well.

[Miniac]

Apparently Hartley is going with the same lineup vs. Canucks.

[DOOM]

Surprised they wouldn't slot in Jackman for MacGratton and Smith for Butler. Just so they could at least get their first games of the year.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by DOOM

Surprised they wouldn't slot in Jackman for MacGratton and Smith for Butler. Just so they could at least get their first games of the year.

Smith yes, Jackman needs to be traded or waived.

[Wastedyouth]

Hartley is a goof. What a clownshoes decision.

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by AC

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

I don't get why exactly.

Uhh. Why exactly exactly.

[Miniac]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Smith yes, Jackman needs to be traded or waived.

He should have been dealt to SJ a few seasons ago (2010-2011) when his trade value was the highest.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Miniac

He should have been dealt to SJ a few seasons ago (2010-2011) when his trade value was the highest.

The Flames should have traded lots of players a few years ago when value was the highest.............but alas, they did not.

Sunk cost now, I still don't see what his role is on this team, and should be moved now IMO, not the type of guy who's value will go up at deadline either IMO.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Hartley is a goof. What a clownshoes decision.

After having Brent Sutter as our head coach for 3 years, i'll give Hartley a pass..... for now.

[djsFlames]

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

*facepalm*


It's one thing to be preaching meritocracy, it's another to actually follow through with it. Aside from a miraculous 3rd period save, he didn't help the team much at all. Was well below .900 so I don't see how that earns a third straight start. I thought Ramo's performance was a little better than both of MacDonald's so far.

Get ready for likely another 4+ GA... (not to say the team won't have anything to do with it)

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by fotze

I can't believe Hartley is purposely choosing to lose by putting in Macdonald. Doesn't he realize I want to see Ramo since Macdonald is a boring journeyman wannabe back-up goaltender.

I want to see Ramo as much as you guys but it certainly doesn't mean Hartley is the stupidest person to have ever walked the planet. People complain when Glencross "whines" when he doesn't get his way.

I wouldn't take Glencross out of the lineup but something needs to be done to wake him up. Put him on the 4th line for a couple of periods and give him no pp time.

[djsFlames]

Yup. Ramo is the 27 year old goaltender still approaching his prime whom we signed and brought in. MacD is a 34 year old journeyman who's future with the team is short term at best. Now a 3rd straight start after very mediocre performances.. What gives Bob?

[Wastedyouth]

Macdonald shouldn't even be on this team. He is and always will be a terrible goaltender.

[GGG]

I would perfer an even number of games between Ramo and McDondald until such a time that Ramo either proves he's number 1 or not in the plans. Then if he is not in the plans bring up Berra and do the same thing.

This is the best year to evaluate and make decisions on Goalies and McDonald we can all agree is not a goalie of the future. I like that he is a stable backup and provides competition but I don't think we should ever be playing him 3 games in a row unless he somehow becomes lights out good.

[Clever_Iggy]

I'm willing to give Hartley the benefit of the doubt for a few more games. Maybe they're working with Ramo on his positioning and giving him more time to adjust to the N.A. sized rink?

The broadcast during the Capitals game mentioned that the smaller surface makes the game move quicker - passes cross the ice quicker, come out of the corner faster, etc.

Get Ramo a little more acclimatized and then let him run for awhile?

Just my guess.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Bertuzzied

I wouldn't take Glencross out of the lineup but something needs to be done to wake him up. Put him on the 4th line for a couple of periods and give him no pp time.

Whatever line Glencross ends up on becomes the first line.Similar to what we had with Iginla for years.

By all rights the line with the journeyman AHL centre becomes the 4th line.



Put Baertschi on a line with Stempniak and Street instead of Glencross and that becomes the 3/4 line.

[Henry Fool]

Rämö didn't really struggle in the first game though. He got beaten but he didn't appear to be in any special trouble with saves and decisions. Better rebound control than MacDonald.

For all we know he might have some minor health thing. I think Feaster said that he wasn't fully healthy during the preseason, unless I'm confusing him with someone else.

[djsFlames]

Ramo was fine in Washington.

Don't see what good holding him out of the lineup does for making evaluations on his game and potential.

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

Whatever line Glencross ends up on becomes the first line.Similar to what we had with Iginla for years.

By all rights the line with the journeyman AHL centre becomes the 4th line.



Put Baertschi on a line with Stempniak and Street instead of Glencross and that becomes the 3/4 line.

Even if it was Glencross-MacGratton-Jackman?

[Fire]

Put me in the surprise category as well. I thought Ramo would be guaranteed to start against the Habs. Sounds like Hartley has lost faith in Ramo already.

Wonder what Feaster is thinking, he signed this guy for pretty big money for 2 seasons and the coach is reluctant to start him.

I could understand if McDonald was lights out, but he hasn't been.