2012/13 General Heat Discussion Thread

[Tilley]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Everything you said sounds about right, except for what you said about Matczak. It must've been a real 'off' weekend for him. The four games I've seen of him, he's made the right plays for the most part. He's an excellent puck mover and has good skating. Since Brodie's left, he's been the only player to really join or lead the rush. He's been a sufficient replacement for Brodie from what I've seen.

For the Heat's sake I hope Matczak had an off weekend. He may have been targeted by the Checkers as he is the smallest dman for the Heat and the Checkers (for the most part) are a big, physical group of forwards. He always seemed pressured, so they may have tried to take away time and space to limit his effectiveness offensively.

After watching this weekend and hearing Ward's comments earlier, I think Carson has stepped up offensively to partially offset Brodie's departure. Unfortunately there isn't a lot of offensive skill on the back end so I'll be keeping an eye on Matczak the next couple of weeks to see if this weekend was an anomaly.

With all that being said, Brust did not look like an AHL all-star this weekend either.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Tilley

With all that being said, Brust did not look like an AHL all-star this weekend either.

Yeah, that's my worry about Brust if he ever got to the NHL (whether playing for the Flames or another team). He's just got this scary, unconventional style similar to Tim Thomas and it seems like in the NHL, he'd just get absolutely lit up.

Don't get me wrong, he's a good goalie, but Taylor rarely, if ever, gets lit up for upwards of 5 goals. Taylor just seems so much more calm, focused and technically sound in net.

From what I understand though, signing one of Taylor or Brust would be a short-term bandaid at the backup position in Calgary. The Flames could be looking more in terms of a long-term backup solution.

[Tilley]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

From what I understand though, signing one of Taylor or Brust would be a short-term bandaid at the backup position in Calgary. The Flames could be looking more in terms of a long-term backup solution.

Signing either Taylor or Brust to a NHL contract (2-way deal) would definitely be a short (this season) term solution. With Ramo likely to come over next year whether Kipper retires or not and although Irving's future with the Flames is up in the air, it's doubtful there is room for both Taylor and Brust in the organization. I think Brust is gone after this year and Taylor stays as the starter for the Heat while Ortio or Brossoit is the back up. Although Brust has been great for the most part, he's older (29), and unconventional. Unless Taylor gets a deal from another NHL team, I doubt Brust gets another year with the Heat.

[flamesrule14]

How did Aliu look Tilley? Obviously the stats for the two games looked pretty good with a couple goals and points finally. How was his overall game though?

[Vulcan]

Laing is the AHL West all star captain.

[Tilley]

Originally Posted by flamesrule14

How did Aliu look Tilley? Obviously the stats for the two games looked pretty good with a couple goals and points finally. How was his overall game though?

I really liked Aliu's play both games. He will never be mistaken as having a 'Datsyuk-like' skill set, but he plays an effective, hard-checking game. His skating was better than I had remembered. In fact, a couple of times when he pivoted I was surprised as to how fluid and effortless it looked. He always finished his checks and went to the net hard which directly resulted in his goal Saturday afternoon on a great feed from Olson. He kept the temper under control and didn't lose his cool, which was something else I was looking for, particularly after whistles. The line he was on, Sylvester-Olson-Aliu was great all weekend. Sylvester is the little guy with the skill and all the moves, Olson is the hard working pressure forechecker, and Aliu is the big body crasher and banger.

If a spot opens up in the bottom six and the Flames wanted a big body presence, Aliu would fit perfectly. I really like Olson, but Aliu has more of an edge to his game.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Max Reinhart. 4 points in his first 3 months. Now, he has 6 points in his last 10 games.

That is all.

[kirant]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Max Reinhart. 4 points in his first 3 months. Now, he has 6 points in his last 10 games.

That is all.

That -14 stands out for me quite a bit. I have no doubt he's a great defensive player, so what's the story behind that? Does his line get really, really hard minutes or something?

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by kirant

That -14 stands out for me quite a bit. I have no doubt he's a great defensive player, so what's the story behind that? Does his line get really, really hard minutes or something?

Before the lockout ended, Reinhart, specifically, was getting huge defensive zone minutes. He was relied on as the second unit PK centre.

That's an awful number, I agree, but I expect it to pick up next season, if not this season. I hope.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Nemisz shot the puck off of the goalie and landed on Laing's stick for a nice rebound goal.

1-0 Heat at the end of the first period.

[Short Shift]

1-1 shorty. Ffffffuuuuuuuuu

[Short Shift]

Byron just saved another shorty against.

[Short Shift]

Still 1-1 after the second. Penalties galore.
Breen looked good, I thought.
Taylor very solid in net.
The Heat offense is struggling badly.
5 forwards on a PP is bad news.

[Short Shift]

2-1 Monsters early in the 3rd. Bad bounce, not a whole lot Taylor could do on that one.

Edit: 3-1 now. Brust now in net.

[Short Shift]

PK again, Lake Erie are 0/6 so far tonight.

Edit: 1/7. 4-1 Monsters now. Gonna switch over to the Flames game.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Heat strike first... again. 1-0 with a few minutes left in the first period.

Goal was from Street. Assisted by Carson and Reinhart.

Carson has 3 goals and 5 points in his 6 games since joining the Heat. Reinhart has 6 points in his last 8 games.

[GettinIggyWithIt]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Heat strike first... again. 1-0 with a few minutes left in the first period.

Goal was from Street. Assisted by Carson and Reinhart.

Carson has 3 goals and 5 points in his 6 games since joining the Heat. Reinhart has 6 points in his last 8 games.

Reinhart seems to be doing quite well since Horak and Baertschi left. Of course Horak has returned, but I assume Reinhart'sTOI has increased and he's seeing a larger role. Have you had the chance to see him play a lot of late? If so - can you provide any insight to changes in his game - if any?

Glad to see Carson doing well - you can never have too much depth on D.

[Johnny Rotten]

Why is Horak not playing tonight or last night? Injury I assume?

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by GettinIggyWithIt

Reinhart seems to be doing quite well since Horak and Baertschi left. Of course Horak has returned, but I assume Reinhart'sTOI has increased and he's seeing a larger role. Have you had the chance to see him play a lot of late? If so - can you provide any insight to changes in his game - if any?

Glad to see Carson doing well - you can never have too much depth on D.

Sorry, can't really comment. They've pretty much been on the road for Reinhart's little point streak.

I'm looking forward to seeing them back in town next week to check out what's changed with Reinhart, if anything.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Johnny Rotten

Why is Horak not playing tonight or last night? Injury I assume?

Couldn't tell you. This is the first I hear of it. I just automatically assume he's in each game.