[PGT] Flames Lose 2-1 + EN to the Caps.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by FiveSeven

Johnny looks like a totally different player...still amazing.
You can't say they weren't queuing in on him last season, Almost every team always said to watch out for #13.

He was trying early to get fancy, but then it wasn't working. Clearly coach and him thought to simplify and pass more, but I think he just needs to find that middle ground, where he was last season.

I think Johnny is a player that kind of defies having a strict system. Not meaning he is defiant, but his talent is something that I don't think can be contained within something very rigid. I think this is why having a coach like Bob worked for him personally. It was kind of like, "go out there and do your thing, because no one understands what you do but you."

I think that there has to be a specific team structure, particularly on defense and zone exits/entrance, because the team needs to be in sync. But you also need to leave room for your truly special players to use their abilities to their maximum, and no one knows how to do that better than them.

Maybe he'll settle in and be able to work his same magic within the system Gulutzan is trying to implement, but I can't help but think it should kind of be "this is our team structure, but when we get the puck, and Johnny's on the ice, this is what he likes to do so look for it." rather than trying to fit him into a box, when he so clearly thinks outside of it.

[CsInMyBlood]

I swear the only three forwards that can make a decent pass are Brouwer, Frolik and Backlund. SO many horrible passes tonight.

You can tell Johnny is fairly disgusted with the play of Chaisson and Monahan. Not like Gaudreau has been much better but IMO Monahan is seriously dragging him down.

Once again the Backlund line shuts down the top opposition and is also the line that is most dangerous with shifts of sustained pressure in the O zone.

Caps are a good team. Flames had a chance to win this one. On to the next game.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Not to harp on the Gaudreau body language thing, but after the two-on-one with Monahan when Sean missed the net, Johnny looked skyward and was obviously frustrated. It could have just been general disappointment with the missed chance, but it came across a little poorly to me.

His body language has been trash all season including the wc.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Not to harp on the Gaudreau body language thing, but after the two-on-one with Monahan when Sean missed the net, Johnny looked skyward and was obviously frustrated. It could have just been general disappointment with the missed chance, but it came across a little poorly to me.

I noticed that as well. It could be nothing or because sean didn't pass it back to him.

Pure speculation is he is frustrated that after 2 seasons of dominating right out of college where he was top dog game in game out teams realize to shut him down.

Teams are really focused on him now that have a higher talent then in collage that can contain him better. He got away with alot of the little things from the college league in the first 2 years but now teams know his little sneaky tricks from back then.

[Huntingwhale]

Flames still have won 3 of their last 4 games. I'll take that stat. Can't win them all, especially against a cup contender like the Caps. I fully expected this loss, but the Flames had their chances.

Gio had a terrible play for the EN goal. You could tell he felt the weight of the world after he made that play.

Teams very rarely have all cylinders firing at once. I know we're all waiting for the 1st line to dominate a game. But who's to say the other lines won't start to falter at the same time? Then we'll all complain it's only the 1st line carrying us.

Good effort overall, but it's very apparent the team is still learning the system. Hopefully the team can regroup and come out strong against the Hawks.

[flamesforcup]

its time to put Brodano back together and split up Gaudreau and Monohan imo

[bubbsy]

Another game where losing or the inability to tie the special teams battle could have been the difference.

It's just so frustrating watching the flames pp waste countless seconds just trying and retrying to gain the zone. Yet the opposition pp is able to move into the flames zone and whip the puck around for most of the pp time.

At least Elliott looked good again.

[dino7c]

This weeks results

Hawks, Blues, Sens, Caps

3 wins 1 loss

I will certainly take it...the usual overly negative suspects predicted 0-4 with 4 blowouts I'm sure

[St. Pats]

Personally I thought they just got beat by a better team. Could they have executed some things better? Sure but so could have the Caps.

[Bingo]

Game Takes:http://www.calgarypuck.com/2016/10/g...ls-3-flames-1/

[skcli]

Games to Chicago, San Jose, LA and Anaheim, hope they can win three out of the four

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Coaches forgot how to coach again? Or top players were invisible once again? I don't understand how these guys can look so good effort wise then look terrible the next game and can't make a pass or can't even play the cycle because they keep getting the puck picked off along the boards. The effort and back checking was embarrassing. This game should have been 8-1.

Chiasson isn't a first line player and he's really hurting the top line with his bad passes. Monahan and Gaudreau look so frustrated. They're used to Hudler who knew how to pass and join the play.

I bet most of CP wonders if you actually watch the hockey games.

[kn]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Bennett I didn't even notice...

Just to show you how people view the game so differently... Gelinas said in post-game on 960 that Bennett was the best forward tonight.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I bet most of CP wonders if you actually watch the hockey games.

I'd love to discuss the games with you and my post. Please reply to what you disagreed with.

[Jore]

ffs gulutzan stop playing wideman and engelland in the top 4.

monahan pretty much useless.

brodie came on strong in the second half.

backlund/frolik/tkachuk/bennett all played well

[hockey.modern]

Coaches are seeing his body language too now.


Roger Millions @RogMillions

Gulutzan on Johnny Gaudreau. "I'm starting to see some frustration I his game." Tried to give him more ice In the third. #Flames

[Strange Brew]

Not a disaster by any stretch, but I'm mildly concerned that after two strong road efforts team still looks out of sync. FLames really only won the last game because the goaltending edge was so lopsided.

[Ashasx]

i really fail to see how showing frustration is a bad thing.

When Iggy was frustrated he would literally fight people

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Coaches forgot how to coach again? Or top players were invisible once again? I don't understand how these guys can look so good effort wise then look terrible the next game and can't make a pass or can't even play the cycle because they keep getting the puck picked off along the boards. The effort and back checking was embarrassing. This game should have been 8-1.

Chiasson isn't a first line player and he's really hurting the top line with his bad passes. Monahan and Gaudreau look so frustrated. They're used to Hudler who knew how to pass and join the play.

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

I'd love to discuss the games with you and my post. Please reply to what you disagreed with.

Easy.

1. The coaches did not forget how to coach.
2. Top players were not invisible. They had zone time, but were shutdown by a Caps team that played an exceptional road game and who are one of the best teams in the NHL.
3. A veteran laden team with boatloads of playoff experience played a defensively sound game against out top guys. That's not shocking, nor is it a knock against Johnny or Mony
4. Backcheckin was embarassing? Held one of the highest scoring offences to 2 goals if you don't include the empty netter.
5. Elliott has been playing like a starter. That should be expected.

Perhaps you should note there are two teams on the ice. The Flames held Ovechkin to one point, where he normally smokes the Flames every game he plays (career 1.58 pts/g).



Each time the Flames lose, it's like they were the worst team in the history of the NHL according to you. They played OK, and were beat by an exceptional team. Move on, regroup, and continue playing your game. You won't win them all.


Chill yourself.

[JohnnyT]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Not to harp on the Gaudreau body language thing, but after the two-on-one with Monahan when Sean missed the net, Johnny looked skyward and was obviously frustrated. It could have just been general disappointment with the missed chance, but it came across a little poorly to me.

Are we seriously at this point already....