[PGT] The Czar Takes Over. 5-2 W over Vancouver.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by AC

Yeah, very true. Trying to figure out how to arrange our seemingly super deep lines is a nice problem to have.

Really feels like we're going to have 4 exciting lines consistently.

Whereas last year it felt like we had at best 2 decent lines at any point.

I really want to see how Lindholm would do at C on his own line.

Gaudreau- Monahan - Neal
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik
Ryan- Lindholm- Frolik
Bennett- Jankowski - Dube? (actually anyone but Hathaway)

This allow a lot of movement IMO. Ryan can take any draws needed and that whole line can move around. Neal could play with Bennett and Janko to see if he can wake them up and spark them to actually put up points. Dube is the wild card though, if Neal actually develops chemistry with the top line then it's just a matter of shuffling the bottom 2 lines around. I still want Lazar around but I wouldn't be sad if he left. Hathaway adds "sandpaper" but that's it.

D is pretty set IMO, unless there's a trade to make room. Gio-Brodie are set. Hanafin and Hamonic seem like a good fit and I still like Stone on the bottom pair with one of Andersson or Buzz. Prout is a good #7

I think Rittich is the backup but if Smith goes down, I don't trust him to step up.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I see where you're going with this but imo there's no way Neal gets third line minutes.

It's not unreasonable if Neal is getting all the PP time. I don't think Bennett and Neal would work well together however. One of Bennett biggest weaknesses is using his linemates and offensive vision, and I think Neals talents would be wasted there.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Gaudreau - Monahan - Neal
Tkachuk - Backlund - The Royal Czar
Frolik - Lindholm - Dube
Mangipanne - Jankowski- Ryan
Bennett

Those would be my lines if we started today. I'd like to see both Mang and Dube in the line up over Bennett to start. If they both excel then trade Bennett if he is worth anything. If one struggles then Bennett is back in. From what I have seen I think both players are ready for the NHL and both could play at a similar level as Bennett. If this is the case then we will be able to cost control them easier the Bennett. Opening cap space and potentially nabbing a asset in trade.

[BigRed]

Is it me, or is Bennett on the verge of becoming a PK specialist?

If Czarnilk and Dube prove capable of providing offence at the NHL level, I see Bennett’s chances on a scoring line shrinking significantly.

[Dr. Doom]

Originally Posted by BigRed

Is it me, or is Bennett on the verge of becoming a PK specialist?

If Czarnilk and Dube prove capable of providing offence at the NHL level, I see Bennett’s chances on a scoring line shrinking significantly.

Bennett is on the verge of being shipped out if I could guess.
Montreal seems dumb enough to take him too...

[devo22]

Czarnik scoring 3 and the powerplay doing some nice things ... Trelivings offseason moves are already paying dividends, it's great to see. Forward depth is really looking good, any way you want to structure those lines you come away with 4 good looking lines. Makes me really excited for the upcoming season.

So great to have a proactive GM who identifies problems and isn't scared of making moves to solve them. Certainly a nice contrast to guys like Chiarelli.

[EVERLAST]

Czarnik is going to have a great year.

Dube will keep some guys looking over their shoulders. Rittich looking better .

This team opening night should be such an improvement over many years past. Ready for that now!!!

[Torch]

Benny playing Pk is great, taking the same route as Backlund? Same amount of points at age 21.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Lazar's time with the organisation is coming to an end. With Hathaway bringing more size and sandpaper (and just as much offence), he makes a better 12/13 forward. With Dube and Mangiapane knocking on the door we need to clear up two roster spots in the next two seasons. Difficult to think of a reason for him to stick around.

What's crazy is with Shinkaurak, Lazar, Poirier, Rychel and Klimchuk the flames almost have the full collection of 2013 first round busts.

I don't think there's much to choose between Hathaway and Lazar but Lazar is a step faster, can play centre and is a decent penalty killer. I think I'd use Lazar over Hathaway

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I don't think there's much to choose between Hathaway and Lazar but Lazar is a step faster, can play centre and is a decent penalty killer. I think I'd use Lazar over Hathaway

I'd waive both, give their spots to Quine and Brule

[skudr248]

Loved to see the flames kick some ass last night live, Off to Bangkok in 24 hours, gonna be an adventure trying to watch games there for the next 3 months, GO FLAMES GO!

[Huntsy]

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

[FlamesAreOne]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

Posts like these are why I wish I knew how to post gifs.

[MikkaVernon]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

Monahan doesn’t need an excuse for anything. He’s done more then enough to show he is a #1c.

It’s also impressive you know what the lines should be, but it will take the professionals half a year to figure out.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

Monahan was nearly pt/game and scored 31 goals in 74 games.



Tough crowd...

[cannon7]

Don't think the Flames are helping Dube bby playing him three times in four nights. I know they want to get a good look, but overplaying him is only going to hurt him. Last night he was making mistakes that a tired player makes. To his credit, despite taking a bad penalty, he was still more effective than many of the other guys competing for spots.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Why would you put your best center on the 3rd line?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by Huntsy

Gaudrea - Lindholm - Neal (18-20 minutes)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Czarnik (15-17 minutes)
Bennett - Monahan - Ryan (12-14 minutes)
Frolik - Jankowski - Dube (10-12 minutes)

This is what should happen but it will take half a year for them to realize. No excuses for Monny now, injuries are healed..

No excuses?
What are you talking about? Monny is definitely the 1st line centre. What has Lindholm done in his career that you think he's the better 1 center?