[PGT] Flames defeat Sharks 7-5

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

At this point his draft pedigree is trivial. Just focus on what he is actually bringing to the table instead of letting structure govern his agency

I’d love to say it’s trivial but it isn’t. Bottom line is the Flames made a significant investment in this kid. His draft pedigree doesn’t matter when it comes to trade value, but it certainly matters when it comes to expectations.

Having said that, I thought he had a good game tonight so no sense complaining right now.

[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

I’d love to say it’s trivial but it isn’t. Bottom line is the Flames made a significant investment in this kid. His draft pedigree doesn’t matter when it comes to trade value, but it certainly matters when it comes to expectations.

Having said that, I thought he had a good game tonight so no sense complaining right now.

It's trivial with respect to whether they should trade or retain him at this point, which is the main focus of this debate. Some seem to think that trading him partially mitigates the disappointment of him not yet living up to their expectations for a 4th overall pick, and that it prevents his value from further eroding. I contend that his trade value will never be less than it is now, so trading him now and selling low would be poor asset management.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

It's trivial with respect to whether they should trade or retain him at this point, which is the main focus of this debate. Some seem to think that trading him partially mitigates the disappointment of him not yet living up to their expectations for a 4th overall pick, and that it prevents his value from further eroding. I contend that his trade value will never be less than it is now, so trading him now and selling low would be poor asset management.

Not that I advocate trading him at this point, but I disagree with this.

One more year like the last 2, particularly offensively, and then he is worth less.

There are many a GM league wide that would like to see if they could get more out of him is my guess but they wont be giving up a lot to do so at this point. If its more of the same next year he wont return anything.

If he is a piece that puts a deal over the top to say, upgrade goaltending, then it has to be considered.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by DazzlinDino

The problem, Bennett gets brought up even when the Flames have a good game. You just can't hold back and enjoy the win without pointing out Bennett is not good enough for you! We know that already so why keep repeating it?? Little wonder so many people were sick of the negativity last season even when the Flames won and here you all are again ready to turn a few more people away instead of just enjoying the game. Whats wrong that some people are happy to see Bennett score! Lets enjoy the season and see how Bennett does with a new coach please?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being happy when Bennett scores. The only people who brought up the whole Bennett thing were the ones who had to go and be all holier than thou about it i.e. “suck it Bennett haters.” Why can’t they just enjoy his performance without having to try and take an “I’m smarter than you” attitude about it?

[Imported_Aussie]

I like Bennett with Frolik, puts him with a savvy veteran who drives play the right way.
This team will be able to roll 4 lines and has a lot of competition to fill that 12th forward spot. Looking forward to this season!

[Jeff Lebowski]

Team is deep and can overcome mistakes or bad stretches. Multiple experiences to draw on for the team so far this preseason.

Every line contributing speaks to depth organization. Hopefully they keep it up learn from the mistakes and just improve until being ready for opening night. Can’t wait!

[cannon7]

Neal has been quiet in the preseason thus far, but last season he started with three straight GWGs and a prolonged scoring streak. He can also line up at any forward position and is arguably more effective on the left side.

[Bingo]

I just wish they would have tried Lindholm and Neal with Backlund and Tkachuk at some point. They haven't and now they're running out of time.

I don't like Neal with Gaudreau and Monahan, and I can't see him on the third line, so they had better get that 2nd line looked at in these remaining two games.

If Jankowski and Bennett have chemistry with Frolik then you have Ryan and Czarnik with a LW of your choosing. Hathaway is a right wing so that opens a spot for Dube. Or you move Frolik back up there which frees up a right wing spot.

But I can't see Neal on the third line so they had better have a look at him on the second line on Thursday.

[Toonage]

Neal should fit in just fine on the 2nd line (and even the 1st after some time). I can't think of him ever having issues gelling with teammates on the ice.

And if Neal can't fit in with guys like Tkachuk & Backlund, who elevate everyone they play with, then I'd be worried.

[gamesaver]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Hang on. It is preseason. 3 of the top 4 D didn’t play. And that first period was ridiculous defense, it is not reasonable to discuss goaltending without a massive grain of salt. Time and space, all alone, many times.

Your post gives me hope we are not the most clueless fanbase out there, thank you.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I don't quite see people acting in that manner - but even if they are, they're being optimistic and probably just reacting to the overbearing negative group that exists.

Let 'em be optimistic. We're cheering for the team, and it just gets tiring to see negative spins off of an undeniably positive occurrence. I'm not saying don't be critical, because that's what modern fandom sadly is - but the guy had a good game. Enjoy it.

It's a very good thing for the Calgary Flames if Sam Bennett figures it out.

Wishing for that should be on pretty much everyone's list of things you're hoping for.

So I can see "take that haters" as a bit of a dig, but "how about that Sam Bennett kid" is certainly above board in being happy the guy scored a goal.

All in all the "bust" and "black hole" club, if they want to exist had better grow thicker skin if good things happen to Calgary players on Calgarypuck.com.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Happy to see but

I've never seen one player's rare goals celebrated like milestones like Bennett's are here. Would rather focus on the larger body of work and push the "told you so" narrative when it starts adding up.

Philips had one too, and another a couple games back. I dont see people going bananas over that. It's great, but it is what it is. Let's see him follow it up then follow that up and so forth.

He's looked good in three of four preseason games, and hasn't taken a bad penalty. Great on the penalty kill, likely Calgary's most physical player, and has created quite a few chances.

Since all he can build up at this point of the season is preseason body of work, I think he's doing fine. One flutter puck looks good on the game sheet but that's not the be all of it.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by timbit

Have no problem with Bennett’s skills and physicality. I think he has those in spades when he is on. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to happen often.

His mental skills and inability to park negative energy when things aren’t going right are the huge issue.
The negative body language and weak play, as a result, need to change.
A strong sports phsycologist may do wonders in strengthening his game.

This is spot on

[BloodFetish]

Remember when every thread turned into Jankowski? I miss those days.

[bax]

Originally Posted by cannon7

Neal has been quiet in the preseason thus far, but last season he started with three straight GWGs and a prolonged scoring streak. He can also line up at any forward position and is arguably more effective on the left side.

Any forward position? Neal has never played center and has played almost exclusively right wing. He has stated before in a player’s tribune article how much playing his off side means to his game. Definitely not more effective on the left side.

[transplant99]

Is there anyone that doesn't want/wish/hope that Bennett breaks out?

It would be the single biggest boon for this team if that happens.

That's been ongoing for 3 seasons now however.

I'm talking about what we have seen so far, what he might do going forward and what he may be worth if his name comes up in a deal to improve another area of the team. He is a legitimate trade chip IMO, not only because of past performance here, but because he may be very appealing to other squads and because of the sudden depth this club possesses.

If he is the add to get a #1 G, do you not have to at least consider it when looking at what his loss brings to the team vs what adding a true #1 G brings to it?

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Not that I advocate trading him at this point, but I disagree with this.

One more year like the last 2, particularly offensively, and then he is worth less.

There are many a GM league wide that would like to see if they could get more out of him is my guess but they wont be giving up a lot to do so at this point. If its more of the same next year he wont return anything.

If he is a piece that puts a deal over the top to say, upgrade goaltending, then it has to be considered.

Yeah no.

Guys with average third line production making less than average third line coin are never going to be worthless.

Why do we need to take this into the ditch? Bennett is never going below NHL player value, his production and skill set spell that out.

But if they trade him on the backs of a 26 point season with unlikely to be repeated low on ice shooting percentage they are probably odds on going to watch him put up 40 points in another city.

[SportsJunky]

Worth less not worthless.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Is there anyone that doesn't want/wish/hope that Bennett breaks out?

Sadly yes I think there is.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Yeah no.

Guys with average third line production making less than average third line coin are never going to be worthless.

Why do we need to take this into the ditch? Bennett is never going below NHL player value, his production and skill set spell that out.

But if they trade him on the backs of a 26 point season with unlikely to be repeated low on ice shooting percentage they are probably odds on going to watch him put up 40 points in another city.

Not worthless.....worth less than he is now....IF we see a season like last repeat itself.

Not sure that is even debateable.