[GDT] Flames v. Senators. Scotiabank Saddledome. 7:00 PM. Sportsnet Flames.

[Galakanokis]

Nice, like the looks of those lines.

[IgiTang]

Originally Posted by AC

News Update

#Flames lines today:

Gaudreau-Monahan-Lazar
Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik
Versteeg-Bennett-Jagr
Ferland-Stajan-Brouwer

IMO, this is the best lineup the Flames could ice with its current personnel.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

That is my one issue with Ferland, he doesn't seem to be able to consistently grasp the chances he gets.

Hope he can finally get it figured out and become a integral part of the team.

I think the expectations are too high for Ferland. People see Ferland on the first line and expect him to play like a 1st liner. It's not his fault the Flames are lacking a #1 RWer. Ferland is making $1.75 million per season. For that price tag he is reaching expectations. All I know is that he needs to be in the line-up somewhere.

[Phaneufenstein]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Jagr shoots left doesn't he?

Yes and Frolik is also a left shot RW

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Jagr shoots left doesn't he?

crap you're right but he's a true RW

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by AC

News Update

#Flames lines today:

Gaudreau-Monahan-Lazar
Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik
Versteeg-Bennett-Jagr
Ferland-Stajan-Brouwer

Originally Posted by IgiTang

IMO, this is the best lineup the Flames could ice with its current personnel.

It's exactly what I was hoping we'd see!

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by IgiTang

IMO, this is the best lineup the Flames could ice with its current personnel.

Agreed if they could swap Stajan for Jankowski that would be the absolute best

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Freddie takes care of Dougie (mostly speculation from the morning show butninthibknit could be true).

What does this mean? That keeping Freddie around makes Dougie happy to stick with this team? Like a Niedermayer brothers deal?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by IgiTang

IMO, this is the best lineup the Flames could ice with its current personnel.

Lazar has a career high 6 goals. That's the best lineup the Flames could ice? I'm optimistic but doubtful. At least it's against his former team.

[TheIronMaiden]

Bennett might never score again.

[Firebot]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Lazar has a career high 6 goals. That's the best lineup the Flames could ice? I'm optimistic but doubtful. At least it's against his former team.

Ferland's career high was 4 goals before he was slotted to the #1 line last year.

[browna]

If Jagr gets his legs, I see him on the top line as soon as that happens at least occasionally each game. JG and SM do well (Hudler) with a guy who can create space and slow the pace down, and draw players to him when he has the puck. It gives those guys more room to make plays.

Ferland is not that guy, and I think his hot streak with those guys last 3 months last year, was more an anomaly, and his overall play the last two seasons is closer to reality of what we can and should expect from him, as he’s looking closer to that this season and preseason so far. Lazar is a similar player to Ferland IMO, probably with a bit more upside, and he gets the chance tonight because of his former team, but he, like Ferland, is not the ideal long term for on the top line given his style. He can have success, sure, playing with two great players, just as Ferland did.

Also, Jagr moving to the top line also depends on how well he combines with his line mates, he certainly was on a similar wave length with Versteeg last game.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Firebot

Ferland's career high was 4 goals before he was slotted to the #1 line last year.

Actually Ferland had already scored 8 goals in 55 games before being slotted to the #1 line last year.

[savardandjokinen]

Bring Janko in and put him with Ferland and Stajan/Brouwer

[browna]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

What does this mean? That keeping Freddie around makes Dougie happy to stick with this team? Like a Niedermayer brothers deal?

That’s the inference; goes back to whatever Hamilton’s issues were that had him unhappy in Boston, seem to be less so here, and not a coincidence that the Flames went out of their way to get his brother later the same offseason.

The Niedermeyer analogy was not quite the same though.

[Gaudfather]

Someone looks pretty happy about being on the first line!

Spoiler!

Lazar comment from the Flames Twitter account “I think we’re going to compliment each other well.” - Curtis Lazar on playing alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan tonight

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by browna

That’s the inference; goes back to whatever Hamilton’s issues were that had him unhappy in Boston, seem to be less so here, and not a coincidence that the Flames went out of their way to get his brother later the same offseason.

The Niedermeyer analogy was not quite the same though.

From what I understand Freddie has a great work ethic off the ice and in practice in spite of being aware that he wont play more than 10 games a year. The management staff has been impressed by his good attitude and his team mates respect him for it too. I am sure his relationship with his brother doesn't hurt either.

[FBI]

Ok Ferland, start hitting again!!
That will get your confidence back.

[fotiou22]

I like Ferland on that top line. But from a psychological perspective, it's such a boss move by Gulutzan to let Lazar skate out on the first line against the team that gave up on him. This game is everything for Lazar.

[puckedoff]

Lazar has been great lately too, so I don't think its just 'for a favour'. Damn this team is deep.