[News] With the 21st overall pick Flames select C Mark Jankowski

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

From what I've seen of Janko, I think he has the tools to be ahead of Mony. He has great skating ability, great hockey IQ, and he's in a defensive system to teach him all the good responsible habits.

I know this isn't a Monahan thread but personally I think what we've seen out of Mony is his peak.

not sure if this is serious?

reminds me of the Janko=Bigger Gaudreau chatter at the time of the pick...

[heep223]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Hovering around 30 goals might be his peak, maybe he hits 35 a couple seasons but his overall game is still not even close to peaking. If you're talking about point totals only, maybe... maybe I get what you're saying but still don't agree. The rest of his game? Not even close to peaking.

Jankowski will hopefully be a compliment to our big two franchise players down the middle.

I'm just going to ignore that other poster's obvious troll about Monahan having peaked, but it does spark an interesting discussion in regards to his point totals. I personally could see him hitting 40 goals with Johnny on his wing, and if we develop a legit 2nd scoring line that opens up even more space. Definitely not out of the question IMO. I could also see him posting around 30-30 for the rest of his career (which would be great too, considering improvements in other parts of his game).

[868904]

I think Monahan on his own and in his prime is probably a 60 - 70 point centreman with great defensive ability and perennial Selke candidate.

But with Johnny as his winger, he'll likely score at a higher pace.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Not to mention he's money in the shoot out. While not a huge thing, those extra points are nothing to sneeze at. It's part of the game.

It cost the Kings a playoff spot this season and I remember a few years ago when the Flames were abysmal in the shootout and it cost us a playoff spot as well.

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by heep223

I'm just going to ignore that other poster's obvious troll about Monahan having peaked, but it does spark an interesting discussion in regards to his point totals. I personally could see him hitting 40 goals with Johnny on his wing, and if we develop a legit 2nd scoring line that opens up even more space. Definitely not out of the question IMO. I could also see him posting around 30-30 for the rest of his career (which would be great too, considering improvements in other parts of his game).

Agreed...

Monahan could very well get close to 40 goals... I mean he got 30 this year and was playing a defensive role for the first third because of the injury to Backlund. Once Backlund came back and Hartley basically told Monahan that he needed to be more of a scorer, he did...

not sure how a kid peaks at 20? isn't he virtually the same age as Jankowski? No one in their right minds would take Janko over Monahan...

[FlameZilla]

I don't think it's outside the realms of possibility that Monahan pots 50 goals one day. He's still improving and has a real good sniper's instinct. 30 goals at 19/20 years old is pretty impressive in this day and age. Sky's the limit, IMO.

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

I don't think it's outside the realms of possibility that Monahan pots 50 goals one day. He's still improving and has a real good sniper's instinct. 30 goals at 19/20 years old is pretty impressive in this day and age. Sky's the limit, IMO.

I wouldn't bet on anyone outside of Ovechkin or Stamkos hitting 50 goals in the foreseeable future unless they make some changes to the game to open up offence.

[cofias]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

I don't think it's outside the realms of possibility that Monahan pots 50 goals one day. He's still improving and has a real good sniper's instinct. 30 goals at 19/20 years old is pretty impressive in this day and age. Sky's the limit, IMO.

I definitely agree, it's good to temper expectations but I feel that Monahan is actually getting underrated by fans around here. Monahan could explode offensively within 3 seasons, particularly if the league actually makes some serious adjustments to increase scoring (which is something they've been saying for a long time they want to do, but haven't yet). There's an interesting dynamic though with Bennett, if Sam ends up playing C, might he take on the scoring role whilst Monahan gets the tougher defensive assignments? Or are we going to have a third "core center" be a defensive specialist? It would be a shame if Sean's offensive talents kind of "go to waste".

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

I wouldn't bet on anyone outside of Ovechkin or Stamkos hitting 50 goals in the foreseeable future unless they make some changes to the game to open up offence.

What they should do is just make the nets larger by an inch or two. It makes perfect sense, since goaltenders have become so much better in the last 30 years, and would be an immediate solution, but instead they just make the goalie equipment smaller every season, which doesn't actually affect scoring in any meaningful way. It's ridiculous. The worst of it all though is the arbitrary penalties that have been introduced just to increase scoring via more power plays, which breaks up the pace of the game. The "puck-over-glass" rule is unbelievably stupid.

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by cofias

I definitely agree, it's good to temper expectations but I feel that Monahan is actually getting underrated by fans around here. Monahan could explode offensively within 3 seasons, particularly if the league actually makes some serious adjustments to increase scoring (which is something they've been saying for a long time they want to do, but haven't yet). There's an interesting dynamic though with Bennett, if Sam ends up playing C, might he take on the scoring role whilst Monahan gets the tougher defensive assignments? Or are we going to have a third "core center" be a defensive specialist? It would be a shame if Sean's offensive talents kind of "go to waste".

this is why there are many of us who see Backlund as a very important part of the core group... He would play that role, allowing Monahan and Bennett to be a little more creative...

[cofias]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

I wouldn't bet on anyone outside of Ovechkin or Stamkos hitting 50 goals in the foreseeable future unless they make some changes to the game to open up offence.

Originally Posted by oldschoolcalgary

this is why there are many of us who see Backlund as a very important part of the core group... He would play that role, allowing Monahan and Bennett to be a little more creative...

By the sound of it, that's what management is thinking as well. What makes it more interesting is the possible rise of Jankowski. I personally believe he is going to be better than Backlund and I'm not sure if it's viable to have Backs playing 4th line C with everyone healthy. I guess he could play the left wing in that scenario and step in as 2C or 3C when injuries inevitably strike but he may also be shipped for an offensive player or a D-man.

Too many centers is a great problem to have though and I think both Bennett and Backs would make really good wingers if it came to that. It's just unfortunate that none of those 4 guys are right handed.

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by cofias

. The worst of it all though is the arbitrary penalties that have been introduced just to increase scoring via more power plays, which breaks up the pace of the game. The "puck-over-glass" rule is unbelievably stupid.

The amount of powerplays have actually been going down and is the lowest it has been in probably at least 20 years.

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-...ng-fewer-goals

SEASON POWER PLAY OPPORTUNITIES PER GAME
2014-2015 3.11
2013-2014 3.27
2012-2013 3.32
2011-2012 3.30
2010-2011 3.54
2009-2010 3.71
2008-2009 4.15
2007-2008 4.28
2006-2007 4.85
2005-2006 5.84
2003-2004 4.23
2002-2003 4.42
2001-2002 4.12
2000-2001 4.58
1999-2000 4.03
1998-1999 4.37
1997-1998 4.82

[Enoch Root]

For me, that screams ebb and flow... look for the league to swing things back the other way soon to help increase scoring

[GreenLantern2814]

Jankowski probably plays the wing his first few years in the show - at this point in the team's history, you commit to building around the three centres that are already on the roster. Bill Arnold is the guy you want centering the fourth line long term, and before he's ready you have Stajan.

It's clear that the toolbox is there for offense. For the entirety of his college career, he has not played with the only other good forward on his team. And he still puts up respectable numbers.

Taking a look at the prospect base. Of all the players in the organization, does anyone have a better shot at being a first line winger than Mark Jankowski? A massive, super-skilled, smooth-skating, defensively responsible Third Mouseketeer. Now imagine when they're all 25.

[hockey.modern]

Will Jankowski be at training camp or is he going back to college for another season?

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Will Jankowski be at training camp or is he going back to college for another season?

Likely back to Providence. Logic would say if he didn't go pro along side Gillies, he's staying for his senior year.

[FlameZilla]

I would expect Jankowski will be at the development camp this year, but if he's going back to Providence it means he can't come to the main training camp. We could see him in action in Penticton though, if I'm not mistaken.

To further the discussion above, I think it'll be Janko's arrival which unchains () Monahan, so to speak. I think he'll replace Backlund as the 'shut-down' centre, and as he's much bigger and should be way better at faceoffs I believe that will free up Monahan. Factor in Bennett as well and it is a fricken exciting time to be a Flames fan!

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by cofias

I definitely agree, it's good to temper expectations but I feel that Monahan is actually getting underrated by fans around here. Monahan could explode offensively within 3 seasons, particularly if the league actually makes some serious adjustments to increase scoring (which is something they've been saying for a long time they want to do, but haven't yet)...

There were 3,358 goals scored in the NHL this season, and 3,370 scored last year. 2005–06 is the high-water mark for scoring since the lockout, with 3,788 goals scored. That sounds like a lot, but is actually less than +1 goals/game. Scoring in the league this last season was actually pretty close to the average over the past five years.

Originally Posted by cofias

What they should do is just make the nets larger by an inch or two. It makes perfect sense, since goaltenders have become so much better in the last 30 years, and would be an immediate solution, but instead they just make the goalie equipment smaller every season, which doesn't actually affect scoring in any meaningful way. It's ridiculous.

Increasing the size of the nets is a terrible idea, as are most ideas to encourage increased scoring in the NHL. I don't understand why some find this to be such a problem. The reason scoring is down from the eighties and nineties is a product of all sorts of factors, not least of which have to do with the dramatically increased parity between teams in the league, dramatic general increase in individual players' skill, strength, and speed, and the increased importance of coaching which is directly tied to the explosion of information and available data.

In short, the game is better now than it ever has been. The players are all faster, stronger and more skilled than they have ever been. The drop in scoring from +20 years ago has mostly to do with how much closer the gap is between top players and average NHL players now than it was in the past. Checking players are better. Defensemen are MUCH better. Goalies are MUCH better.

Originally Posted by cofias

The worst of it all though is the arbitrary penalties that have been introduced just to increase scoring via more power plays, which breaks up the pace of the game. The "puck-over-glass" rule is unbelievably stupid.

This can be a frustrating rule, but it is far from stupid. The intent behind the rule was to eliminate the especially more aggravating tendency of teams to hit the puck out of play whenever players were in trouble in their own zone. Before the rule was introduced, it was not uncommon to endure four, five, six, defensive zone face-offs in very short succession because the defending team would intentionally lift the puck over the glass at every opportunity. The resulting situation is the less of two evils. Do you have a better solution?

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

We could see him in action in Penticton though, if I'm not mistaken.

Nope.

1. Classes will have already started.

2. NCAA rules prevent college players from playing exhibition games between two pro organizations. (They are allowed to play intrasquad games though)

[clancy]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

There were 3,358 goals scored in the NHL this season, and 3,370 scored last year. 2005–06 is the high-water mark for scoring since the lockout, with 3,788 goals scored. That sounds like a lot, but is actually less than +1 goals/game. Scoring in the league this last season was actually pretty close to the average over the past five years.


Increasing the size of the nets is a terrible idea, as are most ideas to encourage increased scoring in the NHL. I don't understand why some find this to be such a problem. The reason scoring is down from the eighties and nineties is a product of all sorts of factors, not least of which have to do with the dramatically increased parity between teams in the league, dramatic general increase in individual players' skill, strength, and speed, and the increased importance of coaching which is directly tied to the explosion of information and available data.

In short, the game is better now than it ever has been. The players are all faster, stronger and more skilled than they have ever been. The drop in scoring from +20 years ago has mostly to do with how much closer the gap is between top players and average NHL players now than it was in the past. Checking players are better. Defensemen are MUCH better. Goalies are MUCH better.


This can be a frustrating rule, but it is far from stupid. The intent behind the rule was to eliminate the especially more aggravating tendency of teams to hit the puck out of play whenever players were in trouble in their own zone. Before the rule was introduced, it was not uncommon to endure four, five, six, defensive zone face-offs in very short succession because the defending team would intentionally lift the puck over the glass at every opportunity. The resulting situation is the less of two evils. Do you have a better solution?

Great summary.
One thing they should continue to work on is the size of the goalie equipment. I know pad size has gone down marginally, but their is still plenty of room to go further. They are still allowed "cheaters" on their gloves. Pads can be further reduced in size without jeopardizing protection, reduce the width of the stick. Every square inch of goaltender equipment reduction will translate into more goals scored.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Before the rule was introduced, it was not uncommon to endure four, five, six, defensive zone face-offs in very short succession because the defending team would intentionally lift the puck over the glass at every opportunity. The resulting situation is the less of two evils. Do you have a better solution?

You didn't ask me, but I have one:

Treat it the same as icing – faceoff in the defensive zone, and the team committing the infraction cannot change skaters. That rule did not exist when the puck-over-glass penalty was introduced, but it's a perfect fit, since the effect of the two infractions on play is exactly the same.