Who was the most underrated Flame of Round 1?

[Gaudfather]

I picked Jones - thought his consistency on the forecheck and "in your face" style at the net really helped this line be one of Calgary's best throughout round one.

[Huntingwhale]

Backlund for me. When the 1st line couldn't get it going, his line had the most sustained pressure. He got better as the series went along and very quietly put up ~18min per night. Only had the 1 assist, but he was being relayed upon in a defensive role. I thought he stepped up great.

Shoutout to Jones to. To me the biggest thing about Jones is the effect he is having on Ferland. What Hudler is to Monahan and Johnny, Jones is to Ferland. Great move by Hartley to have them on the same line.

[undercoverbrother]

I voted Jones.

I am not a fan of his, but I can't deny that he has raised his game. He has played very well and been an excellent of "rising to the occasion".

[PrettyBoyFlizzy]

It's really hard to pick one person. It's very rare you get a team that doesn't have passengers and I thought each player was great in the series against Vancouver.

If it was one person I think props goes to David Jones. He's resurrecting his career after he looked like dead weight.

Also I have to say tj Brodie has easily moved into the top 10 defenders in the NHL. Watch him play the game it's very much like Scotty niedermayer. Not overly physical but he wins puck battles but he keeps the puck under heavy pressure will make the pass or rush up ice and of the puck turns overs He's back in position so easily. Must be very annoying to play against someone like that when you think you got em on a 2 on 1 and Brodie suddenly appears.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by getbak

Stajan's line played mostly against the Sedins at home, and shut them down. Stajan's line was not on the ice for a single goal against in the entire series.

The only times the Sedins were able to score at the Saddledome were on the power play, when Stajan wasn't on the ice.

I wanted to vote Stajan (left off list for some reason) because IMO he was arguably the best Flames forward against the Canucks. I would like to see him take Backlunds spot on the 2nd line against the Ducks to get that line going.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Jones/Engelland would be my two.

Voted Jones because he absolutely went on a tear this series. Engelland has been rock solid. Surprisingly, both of these "overpaid" players are living up to their contracts.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by getbak

Stajan's line played mostly against the Sedins at home, and shut them down. Stajan's line was not on the ice for a single goal against in the entire series.

The only times the Sedins were able to score at the Saddledome were on the power play, when Stajan wasn't on the ice.

You know what? You're 100% right. I still had it in my mind that it's the old Bouma-Backlund-Jones line that is the go to shut down line.

Obviously I shouldn't post first thing in the morning.

[Enoch Root]

Voted Jones because Brodie and Stajan weren't on the list.

Brodie was the Flames' backbone and the genesis of much of their offense. His contribution cannot be overstated.

[GioforPM]

I wonder if you continue to use Ferland/Stajan/Jones as a shutdown against the Getzlaf line. I don't see why not.

The good thing is I'm not afraid of having any of the top three lines against them until Hartley can get his matchup on the fly. Monahan is capable, and so is Backlund.

[#-3]

Picked Backlund,

I didn't think Jones was underrated. He was awesome.

Could have pick Engelland just for all the minutes he logged.

[Funkhouser]

Jones and Hiller are good picks, but I went with Colborne.
It was the first time I had ever seen him really use his body to either protect the puck or forecheck; he really looked like a second-line winger (for the first time in his career IMO)

[dwd5150]

Ramo. Sat most of the series but for two appearances. Played the role of the backup perfectly. Huge pressure coming in cold to relieve Hiller as his team was getting shelled. His point blank poke check on Sedin late was the game saver, which then led to the EN goal.

[JiriHrdina]

Voted Colborne as that is the guy that immediately came to mind. But there are no wrong answers here - everyone on the team contributed. Look at Ramo - barely plays at all, but makes a series saving save in the waning moments.
But Colborne really upped his physicality, and of course "the shift" from Game 1.

[Imported_Aussie]

I say Colborne. Everyone was gushing about Bennett, and Backlund also got some props, but Colborne played a great physical game that gave Bennett the space to operate. His play along the boards and cycling down low was what we have been waiting for from a guy his size with his skillset.
Jones got a decent amount of recognition, and Engelland, at least in the uber fan section here on CP, has been getting his due.
Other underrated guy would be Jooris - linchpin of that 4th line, very smart player

[taxbuster]

Voted for Engelland b/c Stajan wasn't in the list. I didn't expect a lot from him (Stajan) - some decent defensive work, etc, but he got his line FLYING. I though as a line they were excellent and gave the Nucks a lot to handle.

Engelland, though was a most pleasant surprise, both for his simple and effective play, his strict control (no fighting - well, almost no fighting.....), super disciplined. Loved his grit on the back end.

[GioforPM]

Just noticed I clicked Raymond and not Jones. I don't think Raymond played badly (no one did), but I meant Jones, who IMO contributed a lot and didn't necessarily get the recognition of Bennett, Ferland, et al.

[GranteedEV]

Voted Backlund. His "little" plays - zone entries, neutral zone takeaways, cycling, short passes, and shots on net - did not show up in the stat sheet at all. But they really, genuinely opened up the game for his teammates - whether it was allowing Bennett and Colborne to get their cycle game started or opening up offensive zone faceoffs for the Monahan line.

[Jiggy_12]

I voted Backlund, as I think Jones IS being recognized for his work. he was great, and his goals and points show that.

Backlund was superb and wasn't rewarded on the scoresheet. so I went with him.

[Jason14h]

Just noticed I clicked Raymond and not Jones.

Sure you did Raymond, Sure you did.

[polak]

Engelland for stepping it up and really playing well in Gio's absence.

Jones, Backlund and Colborne all played well too.