[News] Jan 6 Practice - Frolik close to returning to practice. Engelland in. Smid out.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Come on Bob give Bennett a solid look on the top line

I've seen lots of people say this. What makes people think we should convert Bennett into a RW? He shoots left and will eventually play center, so why confuse things further by shifting him even further away from his natural position.

[Gaskal]

If anything Bennett needs another look with Gaudreau. Perhaps with Ferland or Frolik on the other side.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

I've seen lots of people say this. What makes people think we should convert Bennett into a RW? He shoots left and will eventually play center, so why confuse things further by shifting him even further away from his natural position.

I think they mean move Monahan down to the second line.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

I think they mean move Monahan down to the second line.

Ah, ok. That makes more sense I guess.

Assuming Bob treats Bennett similar to how he handled Monahan, I expect Bennett will start to take shifts at center in the second half, and then maybe we'll see this happen.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Does anyone have Granlunds Faceoff %s since being called up ? I know that was his big problem of becoming an effective centre and I'm curious. His defensive play has been very impressive IMO.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

Does anyone have Granlunds Faceoff %s since being called up ? I know that was his big problem of becoming an effective centre and I'm curious. His defensive play has been very impressive IMO.

[thymebalm]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

not good.

toughest thing to learn. you need to know the rest of the centres in the league and the referees and have crazy strength and quickness all at the same instant.

he'll improve from those numbers.

[442scotty]

Time to waive Raymond again and bring up a youngster to ease into the lineup... and as for Granlund, he looked good when he came back up but is really nothing special anymore.. I still don't see anymore upside for him (but hopeful).... time to give someone else from the "A" a chance to learn with sheltered minutes...

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

not good.

toughest thing to learn. you need to know the rest of the centres in the league and the referees and have crazy strength and quickness all at the same instant.

he'll improve from those numbers.

Yeah not good but I've also heard that the vets get more leeway in the faceoffs, meaning they get to cheat more.

[dammage79]

Don't rush Frolik back but really, the sooner he gets back the better. He's a key cog in the Flames wheel.

[Benched]

think Granlund has been good since coming up. Faceoffs will come (hopefully)

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by 442scotty

Time to waive Raymond again and bring up a youngster to ease into the lineup... and as for Granlund, he looked good when he came back up but is really nothing special anymore.. I still don't see anymore upside for him (but hopeful).... time to give someone else from the "A" a chance to learn with sheltered minutes...

I disagree. Other than Faceoffs I think he has been dangerous offensively, and very sound defensively. He has also improved our PK noticeably.

[SuperMatt18]

Smid was great last night but I've also liked Engelland this year.

Really over the last 10 all 7 dmen have been alright.

[Caged Great]

The one good thing is that with Engelland and Smid playing so well, it may be possible to move Russell at the deadline and move Wideman up to Russell's spot and have both Smid/Engelland play.

Nakladal could also come up at that point.

[SuperMatt18]

Agree, hope we get to see Nakladalat some point this year. Sounds like he is impressing in Stockton and some NHL time will make it easier to re-sign him.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

My god we need a right winger

Well, we have two good RW, they're just injured. We need more/better depth.

[PugnaciousIntern]

I've liked Granlund, but don't think that he is a major upgrade on Grant earlier this year. Certainly different styles of game, but both equally effective in my mind.

[druetetective]

I really like Granlund. I think starting next year he will be a very good complimentary player for the Flames and should be for 5+ years.

[CroFlames]

Happy Frolik is close. Really like what he brings.

I think he'll eventually play on the top line.

[Chingas]

Granlund had some very nice plays away from the puck against Tampa.