[GDT] Flames @ Ottawa, 5:00 PM

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

The taxi squad is a different animal though. You need guys who can get by on only practicing and then step in if need be. Arguably you want your prospects playing in games on a regular basis.

I’d like rookies on the 4th line a lot more if Ryan is there to provide some stability.

Ya, I am indifferent on who is on the taxi squad and agree it should not be young guys who are then missing out on game action, but I think a planned call up should be reserved for a legitimate prospect. Especially given the Flames lack of depth, I would be trying out various AHL prospects on that 4th line to see if one has the potential to stick. A guy like Robinson is not going to be in the NHL in 2 years anyway, a guy like Ruzicka or Phillips may be. If you want a physical presence I would try Popisil before many of the retreads we have as options.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

According to Rintoul on 960 this morning the Flames will need to go 20-13-1 to make the playoffs so this game is big as they can't afford to use up their remaining 13 losses to Ottawa.

I feel like this year, it's slightly different. If the Flames, Habs, and Canucks continue to be mediocre, one of them will back into the playoffs. If Oilers go on a losing streak, could mean 4 teams fighting for 2 playoff spots.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

According to Rintoul on 960 this morning the Flames will need to go 20-13-1 to make the playoffs so this game is big as they can't afford to use up their remaining 13 losses to Ottawa.

I think it is pretty hard to predict what is needed in terms of a record given the 4 point games this season. If the Flames win all 7 remaining games in regulation against the Habs (unlikely I know but just hypothetically) it would be very difficult for the Habs to catch the Flames. The Flames could like to under .500 for all their other games, have more than 13 losses and still make the playoffs. That being said they should win tonight, they are the much better team in this matchup.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I am curious how both teams come out tonight. I can imagine that Giordano will be a bit of a target tonight with the "Back to the gym" comment (which after getting crushed by Giordano along the boards probably added to the embarrassment), and how "The Other" Tkachuk was pissed at the penalty, giving Giordano a shot (and then having the better Tkachuk laughing).


Just want to see another win by this team from a solid 60 minutes of play in all zones. If this team can start playing well consistently, that's how this season will turn itself around.


As for facing Ottawa yet again - I myself am getting sick of these games. I like watching the Flames play every team (ok, most teams - I hate it when they are playing teams like the Wild, or the Devils, etc), and love how they match up against them, and enjoy watching the star players from the other teams. However - and knowing that this was a 'one-off' year - I was really looking forward to this season. I thought it was going to be an absolute treat. I thought these games would have way more of a playoff-type of atmosphere, and would have eventually been throw-back games full of emotions and even fisticuffs.


They really haven't measured up to my (overly optimistic) expectations. Now I am on to plan B of this season - watching how teams respond from one game to another, and seeing if I can spot any adjustments that a coach has been making from game-to-game in trying to eke out wins against the same opponents. Adds some interest for sure, but I am still underwhelmed.



At any rate, just win tonight dammit! 6-0 Flames. Big Save Dave has a light workload ahead of him tonight.

[shadowlord]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I thought these games would have way more of a playoff-type of atmosphere, and would have eventually been throw-back games full of emotions and even fisticuffs.

They really haven't measured up to my (overly optimistic) expectations. Now I am on to plan B of this season - watching how teams respond from one game to another, and seeing if I can spot any adjustments that a coach has been making from game-to-game in trying to eke out wins against the same opponents. Adds some interest for sure, but I am still underwhelmed.

I think the lack of a live crowd plays into the emotional intensity too. Imaging hearing the crowd go wild when there's a big hit, it's just not the same with only the players' benches cheering.

Who remembers a few seasons ago, when Brodie scored 2 goals and the crowd was chanting "Brodie! Brodie!" as the third period was winding down?

The energy of the fans can work players up into a frenzy and build that emotion... even boo'ing the refs on a bad call.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

How does Nordstrom keep playing.

Leaves an apple and a coffee on the coaches desk every morning.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

According to Rintoul on 960 this morning the Flames will need to go 20-13-1 to make the playoffs so this game is big as they can't afford to use up their remaining 13 losses to Ottawa.

I highly doubt it will take that...When say Montreal and Edmonton play each other someone is gonna lose that game plus all the head to head games.

Still, don't want to lose many to the Sens

[dino7c]

Nordstrom is in for his PK work, its really not that complicated...Good on the PK and very little 5 on 5 play

[timbit]

"That's one thing where we can be better - myself and a lot of us - we've got to find ways to get emotionally into the games early. Maybe it means throwing a hit or chirping a little bit. Whatever it takes, you've got to find a way. For me personally, I think I'm a better player when I'm doing that stuff and I think a lot of guys are like that."

Mark Giordano

[Mindtravellee]

Gawdin and Robinson dropped and Levio/Simone in. BS

[Strange Brew]

Leivo has to be better than he has shown, doesn't he?

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Mindtravellee

Gawdin and Robinson dropped and Levio/Simone in. BS

Leivo should be in the line-up.

I'd sooner see Gawdin playing than Simon though.

Simon - Gawdin - Leivo for a game
Nordstrom - Gawdin - Leivo for a game

Go with whatever has the more positive impact. Then when Ryan is ready, Gawdin returns to the AHL.

[taxbuster]

Just do the same thing again please.

[TheScorpion]

Robinson isn't an NHL player. Leivo is.

It's really as simple as that. Based on the chances he's had, Leivo should have scored many times by now. Things will likely equalize for him.

[PepsiFree]

I honestly can't imagine having a stronger opinion on Buddy Robinson coming in or out of the lineup than "...ok."

[troutman]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I highly doubt it will take that...When say Montreal and Edmonton play each other someone is gonna lose that game plus all the head to head games.

Still, don't want to lose many to the Sens

If I'm reading this right, Calgary needs to go 19-12-3 to have better than 50% shot at playoffs:

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/C...h/Calgary.html
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/C...ceB/North.html

[Mindtravellee]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Leivo should be in the line-up.

I'd sooner see Gawdin playing than Simon though.

Simon - Gawdin - Leivo for a game
Nordstrom - Gawdin - Leivo for a game

Go with whatever has the more positive impact. Then when Ryan is ready, Gawdin returns to the AHL.

Leivos chance is deminishing. We know what those 3 players offer atm, would prefer to have at least 1 player developing into something better.

Do you see Gawdin getting any special teams time with the flames? Doesn't he play PK for Stockton?

[GioforPM]

I don’t mind Gawdin in for a couple to get NHL speed experience, then a game upstairs to see it from above, preferably with a coach, then back in again.

[timbit]

Simon - Gawdin - Leivo -Nordstrom - Robinson etc. have very little impact on winning or losing.

Their best players will decide whether they win or lose, just like on Saturday.

[Always Earned Never Given]

23 just got a puck on the head by 13 during warmup.