[News] Wotherspoon recalled. Shore sent down. Ramo off IR. Smid on IR

[Heavy Jack]

Spooner seemed to struggle a bit out of the gate this year but so did the whole team really. Im sure Drury18 can fill us in more on his play but the past 20 or so games I think we are seeing that comfortable Wotherspoon we saw through 14 NHL games last year. Part of me is still thinking we could see a trade even with Smider on the IR but I'm thrilled to see Spooner get the call-up and see how far he's progressed. I actually hope they play him with Diaz and scratch Engelland tomorrow but I guess will have to wait and see!

[Cflames_12.5]

Nice.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Smid looked a little rough after blocking a shot last night, but I didn't think it was serious at the time.

Legitimately surprised at Wotherspoon's recall, I thought he would be in Addy all season.

Smid took a hit along the boards from Nolan in the third period. It looked like he smacked his head pretty good, wouldn't be surprised if its a concussion. It'll be his second in a short period so he could be gone for awhile.

[Coach]

Cool. Excited to see Wotherspoon.

Im confused about Shore. There was all this hoopla about him being brought in because of his waiver status. If he could just be sent back down, what was the big deal?

[nik-]

Wotherspoon looked pretty damn stable in the bottom pairing role for his time up last year. He truly can't be any worse than Engelland or Smid have been and it's not like only getting 12 minutes a night in the NHL is going to really impact his development at this point. He needs a refresher on the NHL game.

[Bezer]

Originally Posted by jaginla

Probably realized the need for a strong puck mover on the 3rd pairing.

In junior he was considered a stay at home D man but I know his last year he was trying to develop his offensive game. I didn't realize he was a strong puck moving Dman now.. that's good to hear.

Although, it isn't hard to "out puck move" Smid and Engellend.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Cool. Excited to see Wotherspoon.

Im confused about Shore. There was all this hoopla about him being brought in because of his waiver status. If he could just be sent back down, what was the big deal?

I think if he plays 1 more game then he cant be sent down again. The confusion was whether he could play 1 game with the big club or 2 before his waiver status changes.

[greentree]

Trade winds are blowing

[Enoch Root]

I would imagine there are several guys banged up after last night

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Cool. Excited to see Wotherspoon.

Im confused about Shore. There was all this hoopla about him being brought in because of his waiver status. If he could just be sent back down, what was the big deal?

He has 1 more NHL game before he'd have to clear waivers

[Vinny01]

Glad to see Wortherspoon up. I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks for the rest of the year. The Flames need to do something with that 3rd pair and he could be the answer

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Cool. Excited to see Wotherspoon.

Im confused about Shore. There was all this hoopla about him being brought in because of his waiver status. If he could just be sent back down, what was the big deal?

When the Flames acquired Shore, he had to play 2 NHL games before he would become waiver eligible. It looked like the Flames were going to use those 2 games up until Ortio forced a 3 goalie rotation.

[Oling_Roachinen]

Of the first 4 draft picks in 2011, only Baertschi is not on the roster today. Bet you no one would have guessed that.

[Enoch Root]

As for Wotherspoon being a 'puck mover', it's all relative. You wouldn't describe him in that way, IMO, but compared to Smid or Engelland (guys he might be replacing for ice-time), he is both a better skater and a better puck mover.

[jaginla]

Originally Posted by Bezer

In junior he was considered a stay at home D man but I know his last year he was trying to develop his offensive game. I didn't realize he was a strong puck moving Dman now.. that's good to hear.

Although, it isn't hard to "out puck move" Smid and Engellend.

Sorry, I mean't relative to Smid and Engellend haha.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

When the Flames acquired Shore, he had to play 2 NHL games before he would become waiver eligible. It looked like the Flames were going to use those 2 games up until Ortio forced a 3 goalie rotation.

I almost think this is better for Shore. Addy really is teaching the Flames system to a T down there and the contact between the two clubs from a management/coaching stand point is great to see. I think thats why we have had so much impact through the year from players like Granlund and Jooris so far. Shore will be back sometime in Feb im guessing with an AHL all-star appearance under his belt and some top-line minutes with Baertschi and Poirier.

[Bingo]

This is a well timed injury, and I like Smid as a 6.

The Flames best chance of
a) making the playoffs
b) making noise if they do

is the upgrade of the defense core to the point that they benefit from a trickle down effect.

I love Wideman on the powerplay and I think his contract has turned out to be a good one for the Flames (despite how last season looked). But he's likely better suited as a third pairing defenseman given how the Flames are structured.

If Wotherspoon can get established he helps in one of two ways.

1) excels to the point that he pushes Wideman down
2) makes the third pairing stronger, so they can take minutes away from the second pairing.

I really see the Flames as a club with an elite pair, as great 4 (Russell), and a great 5 (Wideman). That 3 guy is the difference between taking a big step forward and likely wilting late when the pace shifts upward again.

[tvp2003]

Wotherspoon/Engelland has some potential.

Not surprised to see Shore back in Adirondack for the time being.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

Of the first 4 draft picks in 2011, only Baertschi is not on the roster today. Bet you no one would have guessed that.

And honestly I think this year has been his biggest progression forward since potting 3 goals in 5 games way back when. I can't wait to see Sven get another chance, he's playing with a confidence I haven't seen in his game for quite some time. I hate how our AHL sched has dried up through January and into February, its going to be hard to keep those guys focused and engaged but Huska has been getting the most out of Addy after a slow start.

[SuperMatt18]

I actually feel like Wotherspoon and Engelland have the potential to be a good pairing.

Wotherspoon is solid defensively, but is mobile enough and has a good first pass.

Those areas are the two that Smid and Engelland really struggle in when together.