[Game Takes] Canucks 5 Flames 1

[ComixZone]

I find it hard to blame Glencross. He has 6 points (4g, 2a) in 9 games - for a 3rd/2nd line winger who makes 2.55m he's performing to the level he should be.

It's hard to overcome the lack of NHL quality top-6 centers. Players that fill the centre spot on lines 1 and 2 help make their wingers better due to puck distribution and defensive zone coverage - and we very simply don't have the players to fill those positions.

Iginla, Cammalleri and Kiprusoff are the only three players not living up to their expectations in my eyes. Kipper is a goalie, they're always hard to understand - but for two shooters/finishers, Iginla and Cammalleri's struggles are quite easily understood.

Iginla is a year older and can't dominate the other team single handily anymore - so the lack of a playmaking centre crushes the quality of his scoring chances (alongside some bad shooting % of course, but I think the two are quite closely linked).

Cammalleri needs someone to get him the puck in his wheelhouse. He's a finisher, and is paid to be...yes it would be nice if he was a better all around player and could generate his own chances more often, but that's simply not the player he is or ever was.

[killer_carlson]

Anyone think Cammalerri is feeling lingering cobwebs from that puck to the face right before camp?

I think he had a concussion and came back too early.

[AC]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Anyone think Cammalerri is feeling lingering cobwebs from that puck to the face right before camp?

I think he had a concussion and came back too early.

It's entirely possible, he did that exact thing last season.

Took that Jokinen slapshot to the head in Anaheim on March 2nd, but played in Dallas the following game on the 4th. Then sat out 9 straight games.

So he may have tried to simply play through it.

It's too bad he's out at the moment though, he was starting to look really good again. 3 assists in Detroit, that wicked onetimer off the post vs Chicago, and created that Backlund goal vs Edmonton.

I know he's become a whipping boy of sorts here lately, but I really like his game and think his creativity and presence on the powerplay makes a big difference alone. The defending PK has to adjust when he and Iggy are both legitimate scoring threats with their onetimers. It opens up a lot of room for the remaining Flames.

[Trailer Fire]

That was my snagging suspicion too. Maybe this hip pointer is a blessing in disguise? Pointers aren't a chronic issue are they? Like you get one and your next one is easier?

[killer_carlson]

Ive been worried he was going to get drilled again or a more serious injury because of how he looks out there. The time off with a hip pointer is actually a good thing in my mind.

I think the time off will help and i think he will be back to theplayer we expect when he returns