[News] Flames recall Phillips

[Mathgod]

Originally Posted by CSharp

I think he played like 2 shifts in the whole game - didn't see much. Not sure if he did anything worthwhile to really note his presence. On the other hand, Zohorna was definitely noticeable, especially with 2 power moves in both games and he's definitely a big body in front of the net that account for a couple of goals.

Really seems like you (and some others) were only watching for any good thing Zohorna may have did and any bad thing Phillips may have did.

In the last 2 games, Zohorna was on the ice for 2 goals for and 3 against.

Last night, Phillips was on the ice for 1 goal for and 0 against.

Looking only at even strength, Zoh was 1 for and 3 against, Phillips was 0 for & 0 against.

It was a very small sample size, of course it was. And obviously these are two very different types of players that play very different roles. But if you're trying to make a case that Zohorna has a lot more to offer the team than Phillips does, you're just not paying attention.

[Vedder]

It was sort of shocking to see how small he looked out there, even after all these years of watching Johnny.

I think the toughest spot for him is the wall in his own end. Guys close the gap on the breakout so quickly, and it felt like the defence were avoiding sending the puck to his side. I might be overthinking it though.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

Really seems like you (and some others) were only watching for any good thing Zohorna may have did and any bad thing Phillips may have did.

In the last 2 games, Zohorna was on the ice for 2 goals for and 3 against.

Last night, Phillips was on the ice for 1 goal for and 0 against.

Looking only at even strength, Zoh was 1 for and 3 against, Phillips was 0 for & 0 against.

It was a very small sample size, of course it was. And obviously these are two very different types of players that play very different roles. But if you're trying to make a case that Zohorna has a lot more to offer the team than Phillips does, you're just not paying attention.

Was with you up to the end.

He can have an opinion that Zahorna is more projectable going forward and not have it come down to not paying attention.

I thought Zahorna was more noticeable in many ways last night, but I like Phillips too.

Plus minus isn't that stat as I didn't see Zahorna as a problem on the goals against as much as just being out there.

Phillips was instrumental in the Lewis goal though.

[CF84]

Originally Posted by CSharp

I think he played like 2 shifts in the whole game - didn't see much. Not sure if he did anything worthwhile to really note his presence. On the other hand, Zohorna was definitely noticeable, especially with 2 power moves in both games and he's definitely a big body in front of the net that account for a couple of goals.

You didn't even notice Phillips' nice pass to Mangiapane who then hit the post?

[AC]

Originally Posted by CF84

You didn't even notice Phillips' nice pass to Mangiapane who then hit the post?

That wasn't Phillips, though he helped dig the puck out. Zohorna made the pass.

[TheScorpion]

I think Phillips had a solid game but he certainly wasn't flashy. He made simple plays and didn't hurt the team at all. Made some nice passes, had a couple scoring chances. When you're playing your first meaningful NHL game on national TV in the centre of the universe, I think that's a job reasonably well done.

Zohorna has been strong. He's faster than I expected he'd be at this level. His line got crushed at 5v5 last night (Phillips' was the best) but I don't think it was his doing.

Both of them should remain in the lineup for the time being. You can't really make sweeping assessments on a sample this small. I don't think you can justify putting Lucic back in for either guy right now.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I think Phillips had a solid game but he certainly wasn't flashy. He made simple plays and didn't hurt the team at all. Made some nice passes, had a couple scoring chances. When you're playing your first meaningful NHL game on national TV in the centre of the universe, I think that's a job reasonably well done.

Zohorna has been strong. He's faster than I expected he'd be at this level. His line got crushed at 5v5 last night (Phillips' was the best) but I don't think it was his doing.

Both of them should remain in the lineup for the time being. You can't really make sweeping assessments on a sample this small. I don't think you can justify putting Lucic back in for either guy right now.

I agree with ya Scorp. Play these guys and see what you have got. Sutter wasn't afraid to play Tofolli and Pearson in 13-14 when the Kings offense dried up so I don't think he will here either if they prove they can hang at this level. Now maybe he saw something egregious that we weren't looking for, but I think both deserve another game or two.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

Really seems like you (and some others) were only watching for any good thing Zohorna may have did and any bad thing Phillips may have did.

In the last 2 games, Zohorna was on the ice for 2 goals for and 3 against.

Last night, Phillips was on the ice for 1 goal for and 0 against.

Looking only at even strength, Zoh was 1 for and 3 against, Phillips was 0 for & 0 against.

It was a very small sample size, of course it was. And obviously these are two very different types of players that play very different roles. But if you're trying to make a case that Zohorna has a lot more to offer the team than Phillips does, you're just not paying attention.

Plus minus on that small a sample size isn’t worth anything.

[Mathgod]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Plus minus on that small a sample size isn’t worth anything.

It's worth a lot more than people saying "Phillips didn't do anything except get pushed off the puck".

If you look at expected goals, Phillips had a very strong game and Zohorna didn't. I'm willing to overlook that since Phillips was sheltered.

If you want to see the good plays Phillips made, go back and watch the game again and really watch him. Not much more to say to people who have a preconceived notion that Phillips won't succeed on this team.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

It's worth a lot more than people saying "Phillips didn't do anything except get pushed off the puck".

If you look at expected goals, Phillips had a very strong game and Zohorna didn't. I'm willing to overlook that since Phillips was sheltered.

If you want to see the good plays Phillips made, go back and watch the game again and really watch him. Not much more to say to people who have a preconceived notion that Phillips won't succeed on this team.

Sure your last point is a fair one and I agree. But he didn’t do all that much so let’s give it a few games.

Using plus minus after a game or two though…

[Strange Brew]

Dp

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I think Phillips had a solid game but he certainly wasn't flashy. He made simple plays and didn't hurt the team at all. Made some nice passes, had a couple scoring chances. When you're playing your first meaningful NHL game on national TV in the centre of the universe, I think that's a job reasonably well done.

Zohorna has been strong. He's faster than I expected he'd be at this level. His line got crushed at 5v5 last night (Phillips' was the best) but I don't think it was his doing.

Both of them should remain in the lineup for the time being. You can't really make sweeping assessments on a sample this small. I don't think you can justify putting Lucic back in for either guy right now.

Agreed! I think Phillips was a bit tentative, but generally positioned himself well....there was a shift in the 3rd (I think it was...) where they line got a bit pinned for a while, but worked their way out without giving up the puck to a chance and eventually worked it out of the zone. That's OK in my books.

He had an opportunity for a good SOG and likely fluffed b/c he'd be just a wee bit nervous. But out of place Phillips did not look.

Zoho? I think he can be a regular. Generally good play and smart choices. The odd boo boo but non-dangerous.

[Textcritic]

I liked what I saw from both callups yesterday, and I loved the Memories of the AHL powerplay unit that Sutter trotted out:

Phillips, Zohorna, Ruzicka, Mangiapane, Hanifin.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

that pp unit and it's one minute of ice time was outstanding

one inch from a mangi goal set up nicely by Phillips

youth may not always be mistake free, but it is exciting

and our brand of hockey to this point has been the polar opposite of that

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

It's worth a lot more than people saying "Phillips didn't do anything except get pushed off the puck".

If you look at expected goals, Phillips had a very strong game and Zohorna didn't. I'm willing to overlook that since Phillips was sheltered.

If you want to see the good plays Phillips made, go back and watch the game again and really watch him. Not much more to say to people who have a preconceived notion that Phillips won't succeed on this team.

I think there's a lot of preconceived notion going around!

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by taxbuster

Agreed! I think Phillips was a bit tentative, but generally positioned himself well....there was a shift in the 3rd (I think it was...) where they line got a bit pinned for a while, but worked their way out without giving up the puck to a chance and eventually worked it out of the zone. That's OK in my books.

He had an opportunity for a good SOG and likely fluffed b/c he'd be just a wee bit nervous. But out of place Phillips did not look.

Zoho? I think he can be a regular. Generally good play and smart choices. The odd boo boo but non-dangerous.

I thought Phillips got better as the game went on and started to assert himself more.

Zoho was pretty good, but if he becomes a regular - but next season probably 50% chance he becomes a whipping boy because he's huge and doesn't hit.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

that pp unit and it's one minute of ice time was outstanding

one inch from a mangi goal set up nicely by Phillips

youth may not always be mistake free, but it is exciting

and our brand of hockey to this point has been the polar opposite of that

Scroll up Zahorna made that pass

[TheIronMaiden]

Bottom line is it is more fun to watch an AHL try and push for the team then watch a vet try to keep their career alive.

[madmike]

I’m all for keeping Phillips up for a bit, even if it’s only in a limited role. The team overall is very boring to watch. Most of the top players are FAs or trade acquisitions and for whatever reason I don’t feel any big attachment to them.

I’ve always preferred cheering for players who have worked their way up with the Flames and there aren’t a lot of those players left.

[Naitix]

Considering the pressure Phillips was under in that game - I think he did incredibly well. Imagine finally getting a chance with your hometown team after grinding for 4.5 years in the minors, with the coach that prefers bigger players. If you mess up, that might be your only chance and you would have to leave your favorite team growing up and play somewhere else. Then also make it a game on Hockey night in Canada and you also have huge amount of fans wanting you to succeed.

I think even if you put Johnny in those shoes, he would not be dangling and wheeling right away. I was just concerned if Phillips can keep up at NHL level due to his size, and after that game, it leaned more towards the 'Yes'.

Phillips did not show most of the offensive talent that makes him special, I would expect more of it next couple of games.