[PGT] Flames lose, whatever... PLAYOFFS!

[Yamer]

The game served the purpose it was meant to: rest the big guns and see what you have waiting in the wings.

Glad I was able to watch Bennett play his first game and get his first point. Seemed to me like the kid really started to get a feel for the NHL as the game went on. The fact he progressed so much over 60 minutes is very encouraging.

Also, I think Hartley should seriously consider Ferland and Wotherspoon as permanent roster players in the playoffs. Both did their jobs incredibly effectively, just in different ways (the energy of Ferland vs. the stability of Wotherspoon).

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Itse

I know this is going to be controversial, but here goes...

I think this team is better with Russell, Brodie, Wideman, Gaudreau and Monahan in the lineup.

Oh yeah, and Hudler too. Pretty useful guy.

What about Jones and Giordano?

[TheDebaser]

Originally Posted by dino7c

setup the winning goal in the playoff clinching game...was good when he did that

But what has he done for me lately /s

[Itse]

Originally Posted by TheDebaser

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really starting to believe we have a long-term top 6 player here. He was the best flame tonight imo.

4 points in 25 games doesn't exactly scream top 6 potential to me, but I agree that he seems like a keeper. Maybe more like "3rd liner that can move up the lineup when needed". But we'll see.

[CGY12]

You can't put me in the same group that want to see the Jets swept. Boo'ing the Flames when they hit the ice after we just solidified your spot in the post season? Granted maybe I'm being a bit sensitive but that seemed really odd.

[skudr248]

Originally Posted by dino7c

setup the winning goal in the playoff clinching game...was good when he did that

Lol are you seriously using this defense? That's a setup play they run in their systems... watch a few minutes earlier before Hudler scored... they ran the same play. He was just lucky that Hudler scored to make him not look like the piece of #### player he is.

[Don't Toews Me Bro]

Awesome game by Ferland! I have a feeling he might break out in the playoffs, his game seems suited for it

[SportsJunky]

Jets fans are excited. Good for them. They should be.

[_Q_]

I think an all Canadian Stanley Cup final that doesn't involve the Flames would make me sick to my stomach..... Good thing the other 4 teams are terrible.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by CGY12

You can't put me in the same group that want to see the Jets swept. Boo'ing the Flames when they hit the ice after we just solidified your spot in the post season? Granted maybe I'm being a bit sensitive but that seemed really odd.

Bah. People are taking fan reactions a little too seriously IMO. They're Jazzed, the Flames are a formidable foe. I fully expect any Home teams fans to boo the opposition. Makes for great rivalries.

[TheDebaser]

Originally Posted by Itse

4 points in 25 games doesn't exactly scream top 6 potential to me, but I agree that he seems like a keeper. Maybe more like "3rd liner that can move up the lineup when needed". But we'll see.

He seems like he's gotten leagues better at protecting the puck lately though. You're right though, this is still more of a gut feeling I have than a prediction.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Ortio looked rusty and injured, so glad they gave him some action. Bennett looked fine. Tough spot to be in, first game, not a full line up so hard to really get a great read. I'd suggest that he likely didn't make enough of an impression to be in the starting line up for game 1, that would be my guess.

[tvp2003]

Posted this in the GDT:

In game 82 last year, some rookie named Gaudreau made his long awaited NHL debut in a meaningless game. Amazing what can happen in one year.

In game 82 this year, some rookie named Bennett makes his long awaited NHL debut (again, in a meaningless game).

I should have known -- last year we also lost by a score of 5-1...

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Mony

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

SelecT face, I approve.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by Bar-Down

Hopefully the Jets are out round 1, just an annoying team.

Gotta hope for an Anaheim loss tonight so its Blues vs. Jets, which hopefully will result in a 4 game sweep for the Blues.

This scenario would be horrible for me, torn between two haters

[t-bag22]

bring on the playoffs

[HOWITZER]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Stop being so provacative! Man, I swear, you people sometimes....just....I just can't even right now. Literally Even!

Spoiler!

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by dino7c

setup the winning goal in the playoff clinching game...was good when he did that

I agree, that has earned him in my good books until he does something stupid in the playoffs. Maybe he'll play real hard against his old team.

[Robo]

seriously would we cheer the oilers after they beat LA if they were skating onto the ice? I sure as hell wouldn 't

[868904]

Bennett: looked ok, one of the better Flames forwards. Wanted to see a little more explosiveness from him but not a bad debut overall. I don't think you dress him over any of the regulars to start Game 1. But if any of the forwards are ineffective, I don't think Bennett would be out of place.

Ramage: I thought he had a pretty good game, i'm kinda surprised cause he's not one of our more heralded prospects. Everyone loves the offensive guys, but I thought Ramage was better than Kulak, which he should be seeing as he is older and has more pro experience. I think he's the 8th defenceman for the playoffs after Wotherspoon.

Kulak: Was decent and didn't see as much of his skating skills as I would have liked to see. I think he needs at least a full year of seasoning in the AHL before he's in the NHL. Can't see him getting any games in the playoffs if injuries hit, dón't think he's ready for that type of game.

Wotherspoon: Again was decent and didn't look out of place. It's hard to tell with defencemen because a lot of times, when they get scored on its not necessarily their fault, it could be a dumb turnover by a forward earlier in a sequence that causes it. Either way, thought he moved the puck well and obviously has good size and strength.

Poirier: Was a bit dissapointed with him as I really wanted to see more. Wanted to see him use his speed on the forecheck, to drive wide and attack the net, but he really just coasted through the whole game, not what you want to see from one of your top prospects. He was really Sven like. Not sure if he got benched or suffered a minor injury cause don't recall seeing much of him in the third.

Wolf: much more engaged than Poirier, battled well in the corners. Needs to work on his balance. Thought he looked better in his earlier call up.

Shore: didn't do anything to earn a spot in the line up for Game 1. Supposedly a possession monster, but haven't seen a lot of that.

Colborne was a minus 5, ouch.

The anti-truculant crowd here hates on him all the time, but I'm really liking Engelland's game right now. Keeps things simple, is strong and physical, and is really not a bad skater. I think at this stage in their careers, I'd rather have him than Regher.