Practice notes Jan 4

[PepsiFree]

One thing is for sure, the lines of split squads on the first day of camp are going to be the same lines we start the season with. No doubt about it.

[bubbsy]

I really like the idea of a line with Bennett/backlund/dube. Think it could be a tremendous 3rd line. That being said, I really expect Dube to propel himself into a top line, or top 6 option at some point this season, and solidify himself there.

To start, Interested to see:
Tkachuk - Monahan - Leivo/Dube/Mangiapane
Gaudreau - Lindholm - Leivo/Dube/Mangiapane
Bennett - Backlund - Leivo/Dube/Mangiapane
Lucic - Ryan - Simon

I have no idea about Simon, have never really seen him play, as such have him starting low on the depth chart.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Nelson

My ideal lines based on these practice groups would be:

Tkachuk - Lindholm - Simon (#1 line...play them anywhere)
Gaudreau - Monahan - Leivo (lots of O zone starts)
Lucic - Backlund - Ryan (lots of D zone starts)
Mangiapane - Bennett - Dube (lots of O zone starts)

What Ward is thinking seems to be getting clearer, in terms of his pairings

Simon apparently is very reliable defensively and plays with some snarl, and Crosby apparently liked playing with him. That sounds like something that may fit with Johnny and Monahan.

Then again, Leivo is, I suppose, friends with Monahan. (This is an organization that gave Buddy Robinson a look there, put Chris Stewart with those 2, and carried Freddie Hamilton, so who knows. Being friends may be merit enough)

Given that Bennett has played W, I suspect he sticks on W

I expect to see what you have put up for the first 2 lines plus the 2 lines from the first group today

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

One thing is for sure, the lines of split squads on the first day of camp are going to be the same lines we start the season with. No doubt about it.

Lol. I wondered how much hand wringing Bennett on the wing would cause on their first practice.

#FireWard

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

One thing is for sure, the lines of split squads on the first day of camp are going to be the same lines we start the season with. No doubt about it.

Yeah, yeah.

And at the same time, this isn’t a normal camp. It is compressed, and Tre was clear. The NHLers have to get ready, and the non NHLers have to of course show well, but to do what is required to make sure the NHLers are ready

Do you think they are putting 10 days in to these overall groupings as prep for a 56 game compressed season, with limited practice time, just to throw them out on day 1?

[Bonded]

I mean, maybe just see what happens days 2 and 3?

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

It’s more the responsibilities and coverage of the position. Iggy used to take face offs often but nobody was confusing his game with that of a C

At the very least, Backlund and Mangiapane are much more likely to create and finish plays than Mark Jankowski, so this line has a better chance of being good

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Bonded

I mean, maybe just see what happens days 2 and 3?

Boring!

I haven’t heard of plans to make trades between Team Iginla and Team McDonald.

If you accept that, then you have the 6 NHL regulars on each side well known.

So how much optionality do you actually see, for practical purposes?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

At the very least, Backlund and Mangiapane are much more likely to create and finish plays than Mark Jankowski, so this line has a better chance of being good

I would definitely agree. Bennett was fine on wing with consistent quality linemates, including when he played with Backlund as a rookie

[Bonded]

Can't quote for some reason but the message was that they were going to try different players in different positions.
I am hoping they break up Monahan and Gaudreau for a bit here.

Monahan/Lindholm
Backlund
Bennett


Could still be the top 9 centers.

[Wastedyouth]

I, for one, plan on overreacting to every little thing that happens during training camp. Common sense and patience be-damned!

[UKflames]

Don't read too much into lines on day 1
Don't read too much into lines on day 1


WHY THE HELL IS BENNETT ON THE WING AGAIN, HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AT C!!!!!

[Enoch Root]

LOL at people reacting to, and drawing conclusions from lineups on day 1 of training camp with about 40 skaters in camp.

Happens every year, too.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

I, for one, plan on overreacting to every little thing that happens during training camp. Common sense and patience be-damned!

Respectfully, who is overreacting and to what?

You don’t think there is any conversation to be had based on actual new information coming to light?

The coaches roll out some lines, people discuss what they like or don’t

Also, do you think this training camp is like normal training camps? Because the team doesn’t. They said so firsthand, right?

Do you have any opinions about the team, or just about yourself and people who want to talk about the team?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

LOL at people reacting to, and drawing conclusions from lineups on day 1 of training camp with about 40 skaters in camp.

Happens every year, too.

Well... Every year, training camp is usually a month. This one is just over a week long. No exhibition season, and less practice time.

If I decide to do stand up comedy, I will invite you. You seem like a good audience, very easy to make laugh out loud

[FBI]

Insert Ross chillax meme

It's fun to debate what the starting lineups were set as on Day 1 with the knowledge that things will likely change based on camp. (even in a smaller/shorter camp than usual)

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Respectfully, who is overreacting and to what?

You don’t think there is any conversation to be had based on actual new information coming to light?

The coaches roll out some lines, people discuss what they like or don’t

Also, do you think this training camp is like normal training camps? Because the team doesn’t. They said so firsthand, right?

Do you have any opinions about the team, or just about yourself and people who want to talk about the team?

Me. I clearly stated I was going to be the one overreacting.

[Calgary4LIfe]

It is one thing when people roll their eyes and chastise the posters that routinely come on here and constantly complain about anything and everything. It is another to criticize posters for actually wanting to discuss the pairings and give their feedback on it. This is part of the fun of coming here, no?



Personally I am ok with Ward trying out new combos, and I hope that he (and everyone else) are bang-on as an issue that this team has is in the chemistry and deployment of players. Sure, please look into that - they should be leaving no stone unturned in trying to make this team better.



However, this is going to be a condensed season, and they better be coming out of the gate firing on all cylinders. If they don't, and they fall behind at the start, they may not have enough runway to get back into it.


I was hoping that the focus was on the systems side of things - make this team play quicker, come up with more set-plays that may work, get the team overall (especially with the changes on defence and in net) to play better defensively... that's where I felt that this team really needed work.


For all of Monahan's warts, he was playing well under Hartley and his lack of footspeed was never an issue because that team transitioned really quickly. Monahan is also a really underrated passer/playmaker - he isn't a one-trick pony as many are making him out to be. There are a vast number of examples captured in some of AC's videos that show him making really good passes, and even being part of some quick tic-tac-toe plays (not just the guy scoring).


I am all for this team figuring out how to play to its' advantages - and I think it is actually interesting to discuss and read other people's opinions on. I just hope this doesn't drag out too long right up until close to opening night, and then moving everything back last minute. It is going to be interesting to see what comes of this, and I hope something good comes out of it of course.


I just think that this season especially requires this team to come out of the gate firing on all cylinders, especially considering that at any moment, there might be another shutdown (at least until the vaccines are all done with), and this season may be further shortened.

[TheIronMaiden]

The possibility of Lindholm displacing Backlund as our 2nd C is very interesting.



Gaudreau and mony have proved time and again they can make players look like all stars (Hudler, Ferland) so why not someone else.


Tkachuk - Lindholm - Bennett / Dube/ Mangiapane


Backlund can play 3 c /PK with whoever's his PK partner will be so the lines dont get scrambled.



This also saves us from having to play Ryan more than we need to.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Well... Every year, training camp is usually a month. This one is just over a week long. No exhibition season, and less practice time.

If I decide to do stand up comedy, I will invite you. You seem like a good audience, very easy to make laugh out loud

ooh zing!

Why are you getting worked up? There are a lot of silly reactions in this thread, but I didn't see anyone directing it at you personally.

Yes, camp is shorter than usual. But I think it is a safe bet that the line matchups change every day - especially after the numbers are reduced.