Practice Notes - Dec 19

[Flaming Horse]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Like, sure, he had a better game. But thats compared to how he'd been playing. WTF is the obsession?

He has to know some dark secrets about Sutter. Otherwise this is just

[Remember1989]

Sutter told Tre that Lucic will play a ton unless and until he gets traded. Your move Brad.

[Redrum]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Getting pretty worked up about practice lines

I would've guessed that people are more concerned with the team losing, being boring as hell, and being extremely unlikable even when winning.

[Enoch Root]

I know I'm doing it wrong, and the proper reaction is to jump straight to outrage, but I would think the most likely thing here is that Lucic is just there as a placeholder.

Sure, if Lucic is on Huberdeau's line tomorrow night, rage away - it will be warranted.

But my guess is that he is using today to see who wants to step up and show they want it. And we'll see tomorrow who that is.

Sure, it seems weird to juggle the top 6 after a solid, 5-goal win. But the only change is moving Mangiapane to Backlund's line which, frankly, I think is a good move.

I also like Lindholm's line as it is.

The primary issue with the team right now (other than injuries on defense). is finding a RW for Huberdeau-Kadri. It isn't going to be Lucic. So it will be interesting to see who is there tomorrow.

If it is Lucic tomorrow night, then I think Sutter is sending Treliving a pretty strong message - GET ME ANOTHER TOP 6 RW!!!

[Mr.Coffee]

Wouldn’t mind seeing some more Huberdeau pass to Lindholm one time magic. If that little connection can get off the ground the Flames will tear it up.

Also I love me my eye tests but Markstrom to me seems to be turning a corner and if he is getting his confidence back the Flames could be poised for a little much needed winning streak here.

[Young Guns]

Ruzicka with Lindholm and Toffoli. There was to much chemistry? Maybe getting to many points when together? Sorry son, we need to give Lucic more ice time. He is able to ring that puck around the boards to the other team better than anyone else! Down to the 4th line you go!

Sorry, got it out of me....everyone as you were

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Young Guns

Ruzicka with Lindholm and Toffoli. There was to much chemistry? Maybe getting to many points when together? Sorry son, we need to give Lucic more ice time. He is able to ring that puck around the boards to the other team better than anyone else! Down to the 4th line you go!

Sorry, got it out of me....everyone as you were

They were great. For a while. But Ruzicka has regressed back to last year's version, with not enough urgency in his game.

Meanwhile, Dube has been one of the best forwards, over the last few games. So I have no problem whatsoever with him being on that line.

[Classic_Sniper]

Think Lucic could surprise some on here. Looch has always had a history of elevating his game with skilled players around him. Saw him a little bit with Lindolm earlier this season and he was decent, remember him playing with Gaudreau a couple years back and they looked fine as well. Lucic has good hockey IQ and does the dirty work for the star players and his cycling ability is still solid. Sure, the pace of the game has sort of passed by him over the years, but if Kadri can drive the pace of this line the way I think he can, then that should give Looch a chance to better show off the things he does well.

For me though, the better news is hearing Mangipane back with Backlund and Coleman. They were outstanding last season and in the playoffs. The Flames desperately need a line that can consistently show up every night and drive play and help set up the next line up for success. Bread's at this best when he's grinding down low, using his strong edges and low center of gravity, so I could see him getting back to his old productive self if that line can re-discover their touch.

[Zarley]

As much as I love reading the irrational fixation on Lucic, the best news today is that Tanev should be back. The team plays with so much more poise with him in the lineup.

[Burning Beard]

Ruzicka is getting the tough love because he is a rookie and reverting back to what his play was like where the drive doesn't seem to be there. Nothing wrong with that. Lucic was benched 3 games in a row and came back and had a good game. I certainly doubt he is a permanent fixture on the second line.

[SeanCharles]

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Dube
Ruzicka-Kadri-Toffoli
Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Zohorna-Lewis

[Rejean31]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Dube
Ruzicka-Kadri-Toffoli
Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Zohorna-Lewis

I like those lines.

[FiveSeven]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I'm 99.9% sure this isn't the case, but I'm starting to feel like Sutter is ####### with someone.

He's ####ing with me, that's for sure.