[PGT] Flames Lose Both Games in Battle of Alberta Split-Squad

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Actually three

As I'd consider Backlund the third most important forward on the team.

I would say Johnny, Monny, Backlund, Bennett, and Frolik are our five best forwards, and four of them didn't play.

[SebC]

Fire Gulutzan!

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

I don't know, but the wikipedia page says it opened on October 15th so that was a regular season game (a loss to the Oilers, booo!).

I would guess that they had pre-season dress rehearsals in the 'dome though and the 'official' opening was that game. If the building was ready, I'm sure they would have played in the Saddledome.

Was the game in Edmonton tonight in Northlands, or the new rink?

New rink.

Soft opening.

[Jore]

tkachuk was impressive. i didn't think he could carry the puck as well as he showed. also threw some slick passes and didn't lose many board battles, if at all. still seems a little slow but also seems like the complete package. didn't rush anything like some teens/rookies do. managed to display skill and agitate.

bennett and brouwer... what can you say? dominant all night. hopefully bennett is less snakebitten this year.

kylington was a joy to watch. so smooth and surprisingly strong. excited to see what he brings this year. he and brodie on the ice at the same time is pretty hard to defend.

i didn't catch all of the edmonton game but jankowski stood out every shift he was out there for. very intelligent player.

also liked klimchuk's game.

on the other hand, i'm not looking forward to another year of stajan, wideman, etc. chasing the play. hope they rotate in and out with some young guys. also expected a little more from kulak given that he made the team out of camp last year. it really is the smallest sample size tho

e: forgot to mention that i thought d.hamilton looked good up in edmonton

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

New rink.

Soft opening.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Rejean31

Question for any Flames fan oldtimers. In 1983 when the Flames moved to the Saddledome, did they play the 1983 exhibition games in the Saddledome, or did they play them in the Corral?

Saddledome im pretty sure.

[hockey.modern]

Didn't we lose both games two seasons ago as well? We all know how that went.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bourque's Twin]

Bennett - his improvement and strength reminded me of Monahan's 2nd preseason. He is going to be the 2nd line centre this year

Brouwer - he was a man among boys it seemed. Not only was his physical game dominant but also his smarts stood out. He's going to be an important forward this year.

Tkachuk - I was hoping to see more explosiveness in his game. You can tell he has smarts and is good at the little things. However, 1 year of junior and strength/speed improvement may be needed.

Tuulola - I think he has NHL potential. He's strong for such a young kid, and he can see the ice quite well. I could see him becoming a great 3rd line or even 2nd line winger.

Klimchuk - he worked hard and made some decent plays but I can't see who he could beat out.

Shinkaruk - seems way more confident. The raw talent is there. He's just a little small and could be stronger on the puck. I think he will push for a starting role.

Kylington - he's got a lot of potential. He already seemed poised out there. He's able to make smart plays to breakout of his own zone. Needs to add strength and experience. I think he makes the team after this season.

Stajan - I'm not sure how he can sustain a starting job this year. There's too much youth chomping at the bit

Wideman - I was rooting for him but he looks even slower. He's nothing more than a #5 who can play on the PP.

[SOMBRI2]

I found the new flames website a bit unorganized for navigation.

[Niemo]

Jankowski and maybe Gillies were the only bright spots in Edmonton. Dougie Hamilton looked horrible. I'm assuming it's only because it's preseason and he doesn't care....

[Niemo]

Also, I don't think Brett Pollock will ever be an NHL player. All the players on PTOs in Edmonton sucked tonight too.

[Locke]

Welp. Thats not gone well. When do we decide that best course of action to guide us to success is to become the worst team in all of Professional Sports for more than a decade?

[Weitz]

Bennett line looked really good. But had top line defence against essentially 4th liners so hard to tell how that would translate.

Stajan had some beauty chances and struggled. Biggest memory is him.

None of the Oilers really impressed at all except the goalies made some nice saves.

Most of preseason means nothing though. Let alone a split squad game.

[Jetfire]

That 62 (63?) % possession though. Too bad they dropped both, but a decent look at a few players.

[bubbsy]

did any one see anything out of poirier today?

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Saddledome im pretty sure.

I distinctly recall that being the case.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Sam Bennett has officially arrived. The Brouwer pickup was a great move. That's a good combo.

The Killer Bees.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Saddledome im pretty sure.

There definately was.

[Flamescuprun2018]

Bennett will break out this year. He is the complete package. Brouwer is also his perfect linemate. Well done Treliving! Brouwer signing was right on the mark.

Elliott was so composed and comfortable out there. We are in for a treat having him back there all season. His poke check was perfect and one of his quick lateral move cross ice saves was outstanding yet he made it look routine.

Kylington (mispronounced by our Flames announcer at start of game, shame on him!) was a joy to watch. I saw no major defensive gaffes. His offensive instincts and speed/skill are already NHL ready. His passes are smart and accurate. If he could put on 15 lbs of muscle I think he could be a top pairing defenseman. He was fun to watch on PP. Would like to see him paired with D Hamilton.

Shinkaruk had great hussle all night. He is really close. We will see him spend time as 1RW and 2LW this season for sure.

Tkachuk looked good. Not out of place on 1st line. On radio it was mentioned that Gulutzan was impressed by how fast a learner Matt is. Do not count him out from making this team. 9 game look at minimum.

Tuulolu made a couple nice skilled plays. Lots of potential.

McDonald very tentative out there. He needs ECHL starting role to see if his confidence can be built up. I think Parsons may have passed him as a prospect.

[Caged Great]

Elliott, Bennett, Brouwer, Gio, Wideman, Engelland, Kylington all played well.

Tkachuk was okay and would be adequate if they keep him in the NHL, but is the weakest link on that line right now. Not sure of any other options.

Basing off one game, if I had to pick a partner on the first line of the options that were at the game tonight, Shinkaruk would be the one. Set up a few plays that should have been tap ins if not for his linemates.

Stajan if he doesn't get better, the Mason Raymond treatment of sending him to Stockton and buying him out next offseason may be in the cards.

Chaisson is a 4th line forward at best.