[PGT] Flames lose another season opener

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

No. Hamilton is not a strong player without the puck. He takes loads of lazy penalties when he loses his man.

Hamonic can skate and is a very strong defensively. I'd match him up with McDavid.

I think Hamilton would rise to the occasion. He can play well defensively when he has a mind to, and part of taking the McDavid monitoring role would be to hang back a bit, so as to not lose position.

Hamonic could do it too, but he doesn't have the wingspan of Hamilton, which I'm sort of counting on to counter some of the McDavid speed - make him go wider to get around the stick.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Line 1 has Ferland on it though...and with all due respect he has no business being on a top line in the NHL. Career high 25 points. JG is a play maker and NEEDS a high end winger on the other side.

I agree. Which is why at some point I think it's worth trying

Gaudreau - Bennett - Jagr

or

Gaudreau - Monahan - Jagr

as a line.

Jagr is slow but he would be able to help offensive zone possession time and get the puck on to Gaudreau's stick in prime areas which is what he needs.

If GG were to explore new combinations, I think based on the chemistry between Bennett and Gaudreau, the good game from the Tkachuk-Monahan pairing, and Jankowski deserving to draw in, this might work

Gaudreau - Bennett - Jagr
Tkachuk - Monahan - Ferland/Versteeg
Jankowski - Backlund - Frolik

[calgaryred]

I didn't think Flames or Oilers played a good game besides McDavid who pretty much embarrassed the Flames. I thought offensively outside of McDavid Edmonton stunk, the game was pretty boring.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by calgaryred

I didn't think Flames or Oilers played a good game besides McDavid who pretty much embarrassed the Flames. I thought offensively outside of McDavid Edmonton stunk, the game was pretty boring.

It was essentially McDavid skating around a rink full of meh players that weren't doing anything on their own time and managing to flip two pucks into the net practically unchallenged.

If Oilers fans want to trumpet about how great the team looks, then it wasn't based on last night. Last night was about one player.

The one solace is that Flames fans can trumpet about a single player too - Mike Smith.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Line 1 has Ferland on it though...and with all due respect he has no business being on a top line in the NHL. Career high 25 points. JG is a play maker and NEEDS a high end winger on the other side.

Gaudreau and Monahan need to be better. We've seen in the past they can excel with almost anybody and they were invisible last night. Johnny and Mony being invisible is not 100% on Ferland.

Disturbing trend to see people blaming only one person on a line when the whole line was bad. Johnny and Monahan are paid to be star players, they can't no show important games like that.

[united]

One subtle thing I was impressed with in the preseason and again last night is Matthew Tkachuk's skating. His hip mobility and technique has gotten so much better over the summer. Last night his mohawk pivots down low and up the side boards worked very well in puck protection. He is going to be a handful down low for years to come (he is already - it will only get better).

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

It was essentially McDavid skating around a rink full of meh players that weren't doing anything on their own time and managing to flip two pucks into the net practically unchallenged.

If Oilers fans want to trumpet about how great the team looks, then it wasn't based on last night. Last night was about one player.

The one solace is that Flames fans can trumpet about a single player too - Mike Smith.

Since Smith was clearly Calgary's only decent player last night, stopping for than 40 shots, it would seem like the Oilers as a whole were creating some pretty good offensive chances.

One player may have scored the goals, but he wasn't solely responsible for firing all 45 or so shots Smith's way.

[sa226]

You never want to break up something that has worked, but I do see the value in moving Johnny to play with Bennett.

Bennett is always going at top speed, that backs off opponents. The problem is that Bennett hasn't played with anybody that can take advantage of that. We all love Monahan, but you can sometimes see why the top line has trouble getting traction when the team is on their heels. Monahan rarely attacks with speed, he relies on his wingers to create something. Either Johnny doing Johnny things, or Ferland barreling down the wing. Sometimes you need your center to gather speed through the neutral zone and dagger into the attacking zone. Bennett is learning to do that, but that doesn't seem to be Monahan's game right now.

At the end of the day, you gotta go with the guys who are making the big bucks. Monahan and Johnny are paid to be difference makers, but I wouldn't be opposed to the bearded one getting the opportunity. He is ready.

All in all, the Flames had no push last night. They looked like they were waiting to get their legs, but the Oilers didn't allow them to.

Aside from Smith, I thought Gio got better as the game went on. He elevated himself. Another positive I took from the game was that it was evident what Smith's puck handling can do, his work with the Dmen broke up a number of onslaughts. It could have been much worse than it was.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

Their best player was unreal and our best players were meh. Glad our new keeper was solid. I didn't mind the 4th line.

You should mind the fourth line, they got thoroughly outplayed you just don't notice it as much because they played mostly against their fourth line guys who don't have a lot if finishing talent (so less goals against to be memorably bad) and because they play play less minutes.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Gaudreau and Monahan need to be better. We've seen in the past they can excel with almost anybody and they were invisible last night. Johnny and Mony being invisible is not 100% on Ferland.

Disturbing trend to see people blaming only one person on a line when the whole line was bad. Johnny and Monahan are paid to be star players, they can't no show important games like that.

I agree and this can't emphasized enough. They are very fortunate to be "on a top line in the NHL", yet they play like they are fitting into the overall team. If they were on another team there is a good chance they wouldn't be on the top line but used as role players. Not saying that to slight them but top line players are often expected to set the tone and lead the team even when the chips are down. These guys are very fortunate to be counted on the top line, they have the skill and the ability. I think these 2 guys can be better and shown they can be better but don;t seem to be grabbing the bull by the horns. Monahan or Johnny should take it personally when McDavid shows them up but for some reason they are playing second fiddle, at least to McDavid and co.

[flamesfever]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

It was essentially McDavid skating around a rink full of meh players that weren't doing anything on their own time and managing to flip two pucks into the net practically unchallenged.

If Oilers fans want to trumpet about how great the team looks, then it wasn't based on last night. Last night was about one player.

The one solace is that Flames fans can trumpet about a single player too - Mike Smith.

Let's be honest...the Oilers' effectiveness in the offensive zone looked great for the first of the season, especially if you compare it with ours. Had it not been for Smith, the score could have been much higher for them.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by calgaryred

I didn't think Flames or Oilers played a good game besides McDavid who pretty much embarrassed the Flames. I thought offensively outside of McDavid Edmonton stunk, the game was pretty boring.

Completely disagree. When one team puts up 45 shots against your goalie, one outplayed the other. Smith was outstanding, but unfortunately couldn’t save them all. We literally only had one good scoring chance that game, with Tkachuk going backhand.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Completely disagree. When one team puts up 45 shots against your goalie, one outplayed the other. Smith was outstanding, but unfortunately couldn’t save them all. We literally only had one good scoring chance that game, with Tkachuk going backhand.

Sure one outplayed the other, but I wouldn't say lines 2 or 3 for the Oilers played well. Line 4 played well and then when Kassian replaced Yamamoto line 2 played really well.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Weitz

Sure one outplayed the other, but I wouldn't say lines 2 or 3 for the Oilers played well. Line 4 played well and then when Kassian replaced Yamamoto line 2 played really well.

I am interested to know your thoughts on Yamomoto's first game. I wasn't expecting much, but was a little surprised by how invisible he was—especially against such an uninspired group on the other side of the ice.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I am interested to know your thoughts on Yamomoto's first game. I wasn't expecting much, but was a little surprised by how invisible he was—especially against such an uninspired group on the other side of the ice.

Only played 6:33. I think 10 shifts. About 6 or 7 shifts in he had a bad turnover and sort of got removed from the game by TM.

Thought he looked really nervous. Bounced off hits and physicality with no issues. Didn't really do a whole lot, but was positioned well defensively.

Hard to judge really. Played well enough to make the opening roster for sure, but I think he gets 4 or 5 games before returned to the WHL. If he goes crazy then will stay longer.

[868904]

How do you defend against McDavid? How did the Flames defend against Gretzky in the 80's? They went to war against 99. They physically, mentally, and verbally abused him on the ice. They didn't let him have a comfortable shift at all. Neil Sheehy was always in his face and if he wasn't then Jim Peplinski or Tim Hunter or Doug Risebrough were.

Gretzky still got his points, but he earned it and the Flames were competitive. The 80's Flames were a hell of a lot more competitive against the 80's Oilers than the current Flames are against McDavid's Oilers.

Sam Bennett needs to put aside his friendship with McDavid and turn himself into McDavid's worst nightmare. He needs to get personal, he needs to bully him, he needs McDavid to hate him. They can't be buddies. Be buddies after you retire. You want to beat him, get mean. Get McDavid rattled, his goons will come after you and take penalties. McDavid will start whining like and his focus will deviate.

Flames need to go to war with McDavid and stop being awe-struck by him. He might be the greatest player ever but you can't just sit there and let him make you his bitch.

That's what the Ducks did in the playoffs last year and they shut him down. Flames have to do this every game to him, pre-season, regular season, all star game, playoffs.

[DiracSpike]

Originally Posted by 868904

How do you defend against McDavid? How did the Flames defend against Gretzky in the 80's? They went to war against 99. They physically, mentally, and verbally abused him on the ice. They didn't let him have a comfortable shift at all. Neil Sheehy was always in his face and if he wasn't then Jim Peplinski or Tim Hunter or Doug Risebrough were.

Gretzky still got his points, but he earned it and the Flames were competitive. The 80's Flames were a hell of a lot more competitive against the 80's Oilers than the current Flames are against McDavid's Oilers.

Sam Bennett needs to put aside his friendship with McDavid and turn himself into McDavid's worst nightmare. He needs to get personal, he needs to bully him, he needs McDavid to hate him. They can't be buddies. Be buddies after you retire. You want to beat him, get mean. Get McDavid rattled, his goons will come after you and take penalties. McDavid will start whining like and his focus will deviate.

Flames need to go to war with McDavid and stop being awe-struck by him. He might be the greatest player ever but you can't just sit there and let him make you his bitch.

That's what the Ducks did in the playoffs last year and they shut him down. Flames have to do this every game to him, pre-season, regular season, all star game, playoffs.

I agree. I get that hitting him is hard but the Flames have to do everything they can to get physical with him within the bounds of the rules and staying in good position. We've seen before that McDavid gets rattled and complains to the refs, Philadelphia comes to mind. The recipe in any sport for trying to contain someone who's clearly better is to get physical with them, get in their head, and don't let them get comfortable and do whatever they want.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by 868904

How do you defend against McDavid? How did the Flames defend against Gretzky in the 80's? They went to war against 99. They physically, mentally, and verbally abused him on the ice. They didn't let him have a comfortable shift at all. Neil Sheehy was always in his face and if he wasn't then Jim Peplinski or Tim Hunter or Doug Risebrough were.

Gretzky still got his points, but he earned it and the Flames were competitive. The 80's Flames were a hell of a lot more competitive against the 80's Oilers than the current Flames are against McDavid's Oilers.

Sam Bennett needs to put aside his friendship with McDavid and turn himself into McDavid's worst nightmare. He needs to get personal, he needs to bully him, he needs McDavid to hate him. They can't be buddies. Be buddies after you retire. You want to beat him, get mean. Get McDavid rattled, his goons will come after you and take penalties. McDavid will start whining like and his focus will deviate.

Flames need to go to war with McDavid and stop being awe-struck by him. He might be the greatest player ever but you can't just sit there and let him make you his bitch.

That's what the Ducks did in the playoffs last year and they shut him down. Flames have to do this every game to him, pre-season, regular season, all star game, playoffs.

When McDavid scored the empty netter to make it 3-0 it felt like we picture framed that moment for him. There was no battle back from our players it was as if we made it a special night for them and their team/fans to remember! How can this team even take that next step to be the best if they can't take a game personally and play like they are expected to win?

[AC]

I want to see a bloodbath on Saturday. Just take Winnipeg to the woodshed.

Also, the Ducks are in a lot of injury troubles.

Currently without:

Getzlaf - Kesler - Eaves
Lindholm - Vatanen
Miller

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by DazzlinDino

When McDavid scored the empty netter to make it 3-0 it felt like we picture framed that moment for him. There was no battle back from our players it was as if we made it a special night for them and their team/fans to remember! How can this team even take that next step to be the best if they can't take a game personally and play like they are expected to win?

Brouwer tried to dive to get a stick on that puck..... WTF was he doing out there again?