Gilbertson: Neal proud of team success, knows he has more to offer

[Otto-matic]

Neal plays some real tough mins also. Hard to get your scoring mojo back when its on the 3rd/4th line with players who handle the puck like grenades most of the time.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Yoho

I think you’re all delusional. We are in trouble big time with this contract over the next 5 years.

“I could care less if he ever scores a point again”

Sorry not good enough.

Most here were posting similar things about Hamonic this time last year. Time will tell with Neal

[Strange Brew]

I had not heard Neal characterized as a great team guy before this year. I’m not saying he’s in any way a problem but his reputation is to carry himself like a superstar which isn’t always a popular thing. Last year’s team was lacking some swagger so I think BT and others saw no problem with this. And everyone’s a great teammate when the club is winning I suppose.

Adjusting to a new team? I’m not buying that as he’s had no problem doing that in the past. We are pretty deep in the season for him to flip a switch but I’m hopeful we start seeing a key goal now and again.

[CsInMyBlood]

I mean he can't be any worse in the second half right?

We all know how huge confidence is to a player, hope he finds it. He's definitely saying the right things and seems like he has a great attitude.

[CaptainCrunch]

I will say it here. When we need him the most (Growly voice) when the team needs a hero, when all hope is lost, when the cattle are dead and crop circles have destroyed the crops.



Neal will be there!

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by Yoho

I think you’re all delusional. We are in trouble big time with this contract over the next 5 years.

“I could care less if he ever scores a point again”

Sorry not good enough.

Nice hyperbole.

[SofaProfessor]

Even when Neal was at his worst this year he has had flashes where he's looked dangerous on the ice. He just needs some bounces to go his way now but it looks like he's doing things right. The quote also seems to indicate he is very self aware that the team playing well in spite of his performance is probably helping him avoid a lot of heat right now.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt simply because the effort and skill appears to be there combined with some bad luck. It's a very stark contrast to Brouwer who absolutely killed offensive plays when he got the puck and didn't look dangerous unless they double shifted him against the Timbits players in the intermission.

[GranteedEV]

Of Neal's 12 pts, two stand out as what will need to happen for Neal to get on a roll.





Just quick hitting, skilled plays from his linemates on the forecheck.

Expecting him to cycle like a Sedin or rush the puck like a Kessel is probably not realistic. He needs a fast, playmaking linemate, preferably two. Even Tkachuk is not that guy because he likes to cycle and slow the game down. Likewise Jankowski. Probably likewise Monahan for different reasons.

Frolik, Gaudreau, Bennett, Backlund... these are the guys Neal can succeed with. One of our most effective lines statistically was actually Bennett-Backlund-Neal. Frolik-Backlund-Neal also looked good last game.

But assuming 3M stays together, I think Dube, Bennett and Neal had what it took together but Dube wasn't ready for center. Letting Bennett and Dube swap defensive duties might have given Neal a totally different season.

[FlamesAddiction]

Knocking on wood like crazy as a write this, but the team has been freakish healthy in the forward ranks so far this season. Having Neal buried in the depth hasn't forced him into the top 6 regularly. If (god forbid), he had to be pushed up to the top lines, I don't think it would be out of the question that his production would increase by a fair amount. Gaudreau and Monahan could probably feed him points.

In the playoffs, he could be an ace up our sleeves when everyone starts to get banged up a little more.

[Mr.Coffee]

I appreciate him saying the right things but he needs to do the right things.

I don’t see the work ethic. I just don’t. He needs to work harder. If he was working hard and not putting up points I would not criticize. But too many nights he doesn’t put the effort in, bottom line.

Time to ####in skate James. It’s what got you to the NHL. Get your ass in gear and stop floating. It wouldn’t kill you to backcheck, and don’t forget that stopping a goal is the same as scoring a goal.

[joejoe3]

Translation: Tre, please don’t trade me

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

He made a deal with a leprechaun, who offered him the choice between personal success or team success.

The Real Deal, without hesitation, answered with team success.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Yoho

I think you’re all delusional. We are in trouble big time with this contract over the next 5 years.

“I could care less if he ever scores a point again”

Sorry not good enough.

Nah, the way things are going in 2 or 3 years his salary won't even be considered high. I think he'll end up being a slightly over paid 3rd line winger with character and leadership.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I had not heard Neal characterized as a great team guy before this year. I’m not saying he’s in any way a problem but his reputation is to carry himself like a superstar which isn’t always a popular thing. Last year’s team was lacking some swagger so I think BT and others saw no problem with this. And everyone’s a great teammate when the club is winning I suppose.

Most players great team guy characteristics start being developed once their goal scoring characteristics leave them. Tony Amonte was one of the best team guys when he was in Calgary (although his scoring prowess was Gretzkyesque compared to Neal's). Hard to have both at the same time.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I had not heard Neal characterized as a great team guy before this year.

It was storyline during the cup run last spring for the Knights.

Golden Misfits and all that. His doing.

[Huntingwhale]

To me, Neal gets the same leash that Hamilton and Hamonic got. They both weren't up to par the 1st season, but ended up being huge pieces afterwards. I'll admit however, I still get flashbacks of T-Bro who talked about having a better 2nd season, but never transpired.

Having said that, I think Neal is on a completely different tier then Brouwer. It's not like it's from lack of effort, while Brouwer seemed to mail it in regularly. Neal is getting chances, but I haven't seen a player snake-bitten like him in years. Pucks regularly bouncing over his stick the moment he shoots. Wide open nets flubbed. One-timers that aren't elevated. Brouwer was a player who was able to cash in from a great post season with St. Louis. Neal has a reputation for consistently being productive, outside of this season.

I do think he'll come around come playoff time and will end up being our "deadline acquisition".

[Jeff Lebowski]

I’ve noticed Neal’s movement has been a lot better. He is better on his edges and he’s making more plays. Finishing plays is the area where his luck has to change for the better.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

I mean he can't be any worse in the second half right?

We all know how huge confidence is to a player, hope he finds it. He's definitely saying the right things and seems like he has a great attitude.

maybe the flames should send him down to the AHL to get his confidence back.

[icecube]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

maybe the flames should send him down to the AHL to get his confidence back.

probability of that ever realistically happening this season= 0.1%

[Racki]

I have a funny feeling the Real Deal has a big night and gets on a helluva roll starting tonight.